Natalie Vakulin

An illustration to two children in aikido raiment sitting on their knees on a red circle.

In the moments before I was awarded my black belt in aikido, I realized that, despite more than a decade of experience in the martial art, I was about to become a beginner all over again.

Back profile of a person in a white tank top and red beanie flexing their biceps while holding skeins of yarn.

Despite the media-imposed stereotype that ‘girl’ friendships are characterized by petty fights and falsity, close personal relationships are a staple of girlhood. From BFFs and playdates to a support system to get you through high school drama, everyone needs a community they can trust and find comfort in.

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