So I was here about a year and a bit ago running a wee 10k for MSF. I'm still pretty short and not particularly fit, and it won't be graceful, but now I'll be running a half-marathon.

I'm running for Nightline to honour and support the incredible work they do. Nightline is an anonymous student listening hotline. It guarantees a safe space overnight, when student and most other support services are shut, and when many friends and family are unreachable. Being a student can be an incredible privilege. It can also be a time of real darkness for a lot of students, all of whom are just trying to find their way. Some carry it for a little while, others carry it for longer. Some have more more or less supportive environments than others, and more or less supportive networks than others, and all of them have different weights on their shoulders. Nightline is a constant, non-judgemental, non-advisory, non-directive, listening ear. Even for those lucky enough to never need it, the knowledge that it's there can be worth a lot in that moment. Whatever that moment may be for you.

Nightline also has an incredibly special place in my heart. Serving them and my community throughout my time at uni was a privilege and an experience I carry with me every day. It showed me the best of us humans, and the depth of my own heart in every possible way. Within its bounds, I crossed paths with people who have fundamentally changed my life for the better. Nightline showed me in the most profound way that we can never know what is going on inside of those around us, even and especially those we hold nearest and dearest. It taught me to check my judgement at the door and leave room only for more love. It also taught me to forgive others and myself for the moments we find it hard to do that. 

For me, Nightline represents everything I wish my community to be, and everything I hope for young adults to take with them out into the world. Here's to all the lights along the way.