Merilee

Then: 10 years old, Billings, MT

Now: UX Designer, South Jordan, UT



First awkward portrait of the new year! For those of you who don’t know, my blog is back after a long hiatus. I started it back in 2013 and it went viral. I had so much fun with it. But after awhile, the submissions died down and life happened. But I want to get back into it! I’m doing a 6-week blogging challenge getting back into my project. My main site is :

http://awkwardyearsproject.com/



Now, about my photo. I am holding a picture of me from the 4th grade. When I decided to recreate this photo, I was on the hunt for the same 80’s cat sweater for at least a year. I finally found it on eBay and bought it immediately. I still had the same glasses and as I was putting them on my face to take this portrait, I accidentally dropped them and they broke in half! What?! It truly is the end of an era. Luckily I had a current pair that looked a lot like the original ones and took the picture.

I remember the timeframe of this photo vividly. My family moved to a different state and I struggled making friends. Being very shy wasn’t easy. There were a few girls who really picked on me. I was labeled a nerd and was reminded of it every day. Even though I was quiet and couldn’t stand up for myself, I handled it the best way I could by seeing a school counselor. She ended up talking to my bullies and eventually the girls apologized and we became friends. Sometimes kids just need a little intervention and learn some compassion. For kids who are struggling, they need to remember that there is help out there. Whether it’s talking to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or a trusted adult. Sometimes it’s too hard to deal with it on their own. Kids need a reminder that they’re not alone and accept help to make a hopeless situation better. I’m lucky that I had someone who was willing to help and it made all the difference.



I would love more submissions to keep this going! This is where you come in, dear followers. Please take a picture of you with an awkward photo of yourself and talk about how you were teased, bullied, or felt awkward, and how you overcame it. I know your story can reach millions and help those who are currently struggling. Submit your photo and story here:

http://awkwardyearsproject.com/submit-a-photo/

You can also follow me here:

https://www.instagram.com/awkwardyearsproject/



https://www.facebook.com/AwkwardYearsProject/



https://twitter.com/AwkwardYrsProj

