Who were you in 2010?

photos by sky stockton

Silas Lorenz, 9, describes his childhood self as goofy, smart and fun. “I messed around a lot and wasn’t very serious. One time my friend and I went sledding, and at the bottom of the hill there was a ditch that I didn’t see because it was snowy, so I ran into a bunch of bricks and broke my arm. It was pretty bad—I went unconscious and don’t remember much,” he said. He’d spend time outdoors, at the beach and playing kickball, but said he’s a bit more serious now. “Still fun, but more hard-working and friendly,” he said. 

Evelyn Faust, 12, loved to be different. As a kid, she’d wear crazy coats, climb trees and thrived in school. “I didn’t care what other people thought of me,” she said. “Back then, it was totally fine to go out to the playground and scream at the top of your lungs.” Childhood was simple, full of soccer and spelling tests, but she describes herself now as conflicted. “I’ve lived my life a certain way throughout all these years: focused on school and success. But this year especially, I’ve seen how people can live their lives in completely different ways and still be happy… and I wonder if I could’ve gone down a much easier route. But it’s all about balance, I think.”

“I’ve come to realize that wearing a princess outfit everyday isn’t a good idea,” Sydney Burnette, 10, said, laughing. She described dressing up in costumes at her grandmas as a little girl, trying on different outfits and playing Barbies with her sister. At Lincoln Elementary School, she was more shy and introverted, describing herself as silly, awkward and rambunctious. And while she claims to still be awkward, Sydney said, “I’m more mature and open [now]. I explore more things and started opening up to people. I’ve kind of found my way.”

Decked out in Under Armour, Blaine Hooks, 11, said he was a gamer as a child. “We’d make outside recess inside recess and bring our kindles and iPads to play Minecraft,” he said. Blaine also mentions liking art, Legos, and hockey a lot, especially the Detroit Red Wings. As for where he is now, he said: “I still like games and still like hockey, but I’m not as much of a nerd about it. Still an art kid, too.” He described himself currently as outgoing, thoughtful and humble. “You have to be thoughtful as you get older. I always try to think a lot about where I’m at and what’s happening,” he said