Think back to your life in 2015—were you a middle schooler singing along to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk? Maybe you were glued to your screen, mastering video games or sending endless Snapchats with the beloved dog-ear filter. No matter what filled your days, looking back on the past is a fun reminder of just how much has changed. That’s exactly what the Imagine We Could Time Capsule is about—capturing our world's evolution, culture, and ourselves.
Now, let’s take a visual trip down memory lane. These snapshots capture real moments from our own lives—our fashion choices, favorite hangout spots, and everyday experiences. How different does life look compared to today?
Lexi Opsahl
"My life was very simple at this time. I had a Frozen-themed party for my 11th birthday and spent my time going to dance class, hanging out with my cousins, and traveling with my dad for his job. This year was very monumental, though. I was gifted my very first phone, which, little did I know, was where my addiction would begin!
2025—what a journey! I never expected to end up in Minnesota, but it’s been the best decision of my life. I’m one semester from earning my BS in Marketing and Business Analytics, have found my future bridesmaids, still close with family despite the distance, and balancing a part-time job while taking 17+ credits per semester. This summer, I have an internship at UnitedHealth Group as a sales intern, but I still hope to start my career at a marketing agency."
Avery Luecke
"2015 feels like yesterday and a million years ago, all at the same time! My priorities as a 7th grader mainly consisted of hanging out with my friends, caring way too much about school, and trying to look way older than I actually was. In the past 10 years, I have grown in more ways than I thought possible. Today, I look forward to graduating in the spring and beginning my career in Consumer Analytics and Insights. In the next ten years, I hope to further my education with a Master's in Business Analytics, start my own family, and maintain a happy and healthy life!"
Tyler Smitley
"It’s 2015. I’m in 7th grade, spending most of my time on the soccer field or traveling across the country for fencing tournaments. At the time, I was ranked 12th in the nation, but college? Career plans? Those were the furthest things from my mind. My biggest concerns back then were playing video games and figuring out what weekend plans looked like—definitely not where I’d be in ten years.
Now, I’m a Senior at the Carlson School of Management, preparing to launch my career in Investment Banking at Hennepin Partners after internships at UnitedHealthcare, Garda Capital Partners, and Hennepin Partners. Life looks a lot different—I’ve been with my girlfriend Gretchen for 5.5 years, I’m focused on building a future in Minneapolis. In another 10 years, I hope to be spending time with family, living on a lake, and continuing to grow in my career."
Haley Nahlovsky
"When I think back to 2015, I can't believe it has already been 10 years since then! At the same time, so much has changed that it feels like more than 10 years have passed. I was 12 years old in 2015, focused on dance practice, middle school, and hanging out with my friends. Turning 22 seemed like an eternity away. I was not thinking about college or even high school. I can’t believe how much has changed in the last 10 years, and I can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold."
Colin Jacob-Oliver
"This was a funny time because I thought I was way cooler than I was. I spent my days going to soccer practice, doing sit-ups to get a six-pack (still waiting), and playing ungodly amounts of Minecraft—truly simple times.
"Time really flies. I am now a senior in college, about to graduate with a Marketing/International business degree. It’s funny how many things haven’t changed. I still play soccer and Minecraft occasionally, and I am still trying to get a six-pack. I’m looking forward to a future of working internationally, making money, and experiencing as much of the world as possible.
The photos we take today capture a moment in time, a snapshot of who we are right now, just like this blog post does for me. Ten years from now, every student who participates will have the chance to look back, reflect, and see how far they’ve come.
So when you visit our photo booth, take a Polaroid, write a note to your future self, and be part of a tradition that will bring you back to this moment in 2035. You never know where life will take you—but looking back will always remind you how far you’ve come.
Comments