Danika's Memory Box

I was bullied quite a bit growing up. I have always had a full imagination, fearless self expression, and the confidence to allow my personality to shine bright. These traits were always encouraged at home, but they were not received well by other kids. Kids can be cruel. I was the weird one. I

My dad is a wonderful conversationalist. He listens intently, is an adaptive interpreter, and is quick to fill space with witty quips that never fail to crack a smile. Sometimes, unexpectedly, he will offer an idea that provokes intense and elaborate thought. Often, the ideas he shares with me

We are often told to be happy, but we are never told how to go about it. “Just choose to” is something that is said commonly, and it makes it sound like the choice to be happy is like flicking a switch. If you have lived for any amount of time, you know that just is not the case. It

I am always aiming to uphold my integrity, (another one of those values taught to me by my dad) but it is not an easy feat. There have been many instances throughout my life where I have struggled to upkeep it, or I had simply lost my way. I decided I needed something to refer to when I found the

Picture this: something horrible just happened to you. You turn to your family and friends for some advice or just some comfort, and what do they say? “Time heals all wounds.” “Things will get better.” “Tomorrow is brighter.” You roll your eyes. You know they are just trying to help

Hop into my time machine for a second, I’ll dust off the seat for you. Let’s go back to middle school for a moment. I know, universally the worst period of time to return to, but bear with me. You’re sitting in a horribly uncomfortable plastic chair. Your desk is crumbling at the

What happens when we get sad? Often, we find ourselves in a rut. When we sink into a state of melancholy, too often, we develop habits of cycling though mediocre days that eventually become our new state of normal. The longer we exist here for, the harder it is to break free from. We convince

The story I’m about to share is about one of the most incredible, unimaginable experiences of my life. Grade nine was a tremendously pivotal period of my life for a number of reasons. In the beginning of the ninth grade, I was very alone. The school I attended was for students from kindergarten