“The Awkward Years Project highlights the time in our lives when we felt the most awkward. Some of us had crazy hair, glasses, and/or braces. Some fell victim to the fashion trends of the decade. And some of us struggled even deeper than others realize. This project is a before-and-after transition showing how far the subjects have come and who they turned out to be”. – Awkward Years Project.

Merilee now and before.Merilee now and before.
Then: 11 years old, 5th grade, in Billings, MT.
Now: 35 years old, UX Designer residing in Salt Lake City, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Laura. Then: 12 years old, 6th grade, Salt Lake City, UT.
Now: 41 years old, Paralegal residing in Salt Lake City, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Daisy. Then: 8 years old, Bath, England.
Now: 39 years old, Freelance Arts writer for the Salt Lake Tribune and Art Lab Assistant & Freelance Marketing Assistant for The Leonardo Museum; residing in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Autumn. Then: 13 years old, 7th grade, Herndon, VA.
Now: 32 years old, Communications Manager for the Utah Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, residing in Salt Lake City, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Martie. Then: 12 years old, 6th Grade, Taylorsville, UT.
Now: 28 years old, International Model, as well as a Policy & Procedure Analyst at Discover Financial Services, residing in South Jordan, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Gina. Then: 10 years old, 4th Grade, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Now: 32 years old, Small Business owner and Part Time Photographer, residing in Salt Lake City, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Mark. Then: 19 years old, St. George, UT at Walmart.
Now: 38 years old, Research Development Chef for Duffin Concepts, residing in Salt Lake City, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Stacey. Then: 11 years old, 6th grade, Taylorsville, UT.
Now: 28 years old, Stay-at-Home Mom and Hairdresser residing in Murray, UT. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)

Lindsey. Then: 11 years old, 6th Grade, in Maumelle, Arkansas.
Now: 32 years old, Nanny/personal assistant residing in Holladay, Utah. (Photo by Awkward Years Project)