More than anything volunteering with Nightline gave me a massive boost to my confidence and shaped my personality.
Volunteering with Nightline was the best thing I did at University. In many ways my time with Nightline was more useful than my degree. My subject was Psychology and I was interested in counselling and very keen to get involved in anything where I could practice those skills. I joined Nightline in my first term, the following term I took on responsibility for information management, and 2003 - 2004 I was one of the two Co-ordinators.
From a personal point of view joining Nightline changed my life because, on my very first training session, I met the geeky Physics student who is now my lovely husband, and father of my beautiful son. I also made many life long friends, particularly my co-coordinator Elizabeth.
Nightline has also shaped my professional life as I use the listening skills I learnt with Nightline on a daily basis in my work with teenagers. I also use many of the organisation, people management and negotating skills I learnt, from being a Co-ordinator. I believe that volunteering with Nightline helped me get my current job, and it shows I used my time at University wisely and gained many extra skills whilst supporting my fellow students.
More than anything volunteering with Nightline gave me a massive boost to my confidence and shaped my personality. Before joining Nightline I was very shy and quiet, whereas after Nightline I was able to chair meetings, give input into discussions, and talk to anyone. In a way Nightline gave me courage, and confidence to know that I can handle more than I ever thought I could. I fall back on that courage all the time working with some very difficult young people.
I truly believe in Nightline, and the place it has in supporting students through a time of massive change that comes with moving away from home and becoming an adult.
For me the best times of my time at University were the training weekends - I think I didn't miss a single one!
I recommend volunteering with Nightline to anyone starting University - it changed my life - it could changed yours!
-Ruth, York Nightline