One Year and a One-Way Ticket, by Danika Smith
A memoir rich in adventure, love, and self-discovery, One Year and a One-Way Ticket details the transformative journey of 23-year-old Danika.
Born and raised in Toronto under the watchful eye of her demanding mother, Danika has always believed success means studying hard, securing a prestigious job, buying a home, and starting a family. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is rejected from veterinary college, leaving her meticulously laid-out plans in ruins and her spirits deflated.
Spurred by this setback, what was supposed to be a short pre-vet school trip morphs into an extended year of self-exploration. With just a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka, Danika faces a series of challenges—from unsettling encounters with volunteer hosts to arduous treks through cold, sickness-inducing altitudes. Yet, these pale in comparison to her greatest anxiety: returning home to confront her mother’s stringent five-year career plan.
Candid and inspiring, Danika’s story captures her pursuit of bravery, acceptance, and autonomy as she travels the world with a curious and courageous spirit.
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