#Goodbye TNS - You've made me the writer I am today

As The National Student closes its doors at the end of the week, current Environment Editor Matilda Martin tells us what the platform means to her.

I don't really know where to start. 

A year ago, around last summer I started writing regularly for The National Student. Writing for me had always felt clumsy; I felt there was a mould I needed to fit, that my words needed to look exactly the same as everyone else. The National Student allowed me the space to find my feet. There is nothing more exciting than being published for the first time and with each article, my confidence grew.

Just at the right time, I had the opportunity to work in the office in July of last year. I'd been having a bit of a rough time and wasn't feeling my best. (Lucy and Camille I want to thank you for your kind words of encouragement. You have no idea what an impact they had on me.)

While in the office, I remember Lucy asking me if I would ever be interested in becoming an editor. I have to admit I thought she was joking. I had opinions about certain issues but I never thought I could actually write about them. Let alone edit someone else’s work.

The beginnings of the Environment section really gave me something to cling on to. I threw myself into the role, contacting contributors regularly and tweeting countless celebrities and environmental activists.

What I loved most about the role was the opportunity to give students like me a platform and a voice. There are so many young people fighting for the future of our planet, with each person being just as important as the next. Environmental issues are so intertwined with all sectors of society and all people; it is the most important crisis facing humanity at this time.

Working for The National Student as Environment editor has opened so many doors for me. I even got invited to sit on a panel at the University of Nottingham in June of this year.

If there's one thing The National Student has taught me, there is nothing you cannot do. The only thing stopping you is yourself. So if you have a dream, go for it. You never know what opportunities might be waiting for you!