Right now, the number one thing on my 'To do' list is to get as much experience as I can in the professional world and I achieve that goal partially by volunteering at the Peace Museum in Bradford.

Work experience aside, the Peace Museum is a great place to visit in learning about different peace movements which occurred worldwide as well as in Bradford itself. You learn about so many new things when visiting and working with the team.
For example, did you know that there is a purple poppy to remember the animals that died in war? I had no idea! And I definitely need one! There are animals such as dolphins, rats and dogs for example, which are used in seeking out hidden bombs. Now the dog, I knew they use them but the rats and dolphins, I found that a bit hard to believe. But there were photos provided by the Peace Museum of soldiers using dolphins to detect mines in the ocean and rats in detecting hidden mines and bombs. I definitely learned something new on that day.

But the only downfall is that many people within Bradford and those who are also visiting the city have no idea that there is a Peace Museum in the city. To be honest, I was like that at first and I had no idea until the Peace Trail during induction week introduced those unaware about its location. I have to say that I am glad I got to visit it and also in helping the museum out with events. The Peace Museum participate with many events which are very interesting and exciting! Such as the event in teaching children how to make dream catchers, that was really fun and it was also good to see how many children were soo invested in the project. There was also the Bradford Pride event which was also a big hit as we were doing the theme of 'Wizard of Oz' and giving out peace ribbons to people who passed by, to spread the message of peace and equality amongst Bradford and in essence, to turn Bradford into the Emerald City! (which I think we were successful in, there were ribbons tied around trees and lampposts!)

But the latest event that I helped out in was the World War One commemorations event which took place yesterday in centenary square, and again, we were really successful in making people aware about the Peace Museum but also in telling them about the new book they are sponsoring and the new WW1 gallery that has just been put up. There were some worries about how some people may respond to us as they may assume that from the name of the 'Peace' Museum, that they would be all against war commemorations. But we were there to convey a balanced view towards the soldiers who died during war but also towards the conscientious objectors in war. Luckily the event went along smoothly with no angry visitors, even though we did have a few people who looked our way and shook their heads in dismay. But overall, people who did come to see what we were promoting were interested in what the Peace Museum represents and the new exhibition being held.
The main aim of the game is to make people aware of where the Peace Museum is located and what they are all about. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this moment as I was able to see people who came to remember those who died in war but also in seeing people interested in what the Peace Museum was. As a volunteer, my main aim was to help out in anyway possible, and I also had the role in showing children how to make a poppy and what each one represents (which I also thoroughly enjoyed). The children could make any of the following:

-  Red Poppy which is for remembering those who died in war
- White Poppy which represents remembrance but also promotes peace
- Purple Poppy which is for remembering the animals that died in war

Most of the children made the red poppies, which I guess are the ones that people recognise more, but I loved it how some made a multi-coloured poppy, which in a way embraces all three meanings of the poppies (they should make the multi-coloured one an official poppy!) But it wasn't only children who wanted to make their own poppies, even some adults wanted to be creative for the day, which is really great to see. Some people who were passing by our stall really liked the idea of making your own poppy (all thanks to Shannen) as it is a different way for children and adults to remember what the poppy symbolises, and a poppy doesn't necessarily symbolise one meaning, it can be an array of meanings for so many people.  

Overall, I really enjoyed the event as it was able to unite people together in remembering those who died during the war. The atmosphere was also amazing! With the different bands coming on and playing some amazing pieces. I enjoyed listening to the bagpipes being played, they were amazing. But I also felt that there were so many different opinions being shared on that day and how everyone was really embracing the moment. That was another great day helping out the Peace Museum.