Brent Syvock

                                                                                                                                                    Brent Syvock                                                                                                                         

Living in Duluth 

            My life has changed dramatically since I have moved to Duluth from Anoka.  Some changes are good, while others are not so good. Not having enough money is the hardest change I’ve had to overcome since the move.  Also, my friendships have changed since I have moved to Duluth.  Although I don’t have as much money or get to see my friends and family as much as I used to, it’s all worth it for the freedom I have living on my own.                   When I lived in Anoka I always had a job, so money wasn’t an issue.  Ever since I moved to Duluth, I haven’t had a job.  Budgeting is really hard for me because I enjoy spending money.  Living on my own has made me realize how expensive necessities are.   Expenses such as food, cleaning supplies, and body wash, are things that I used to not have to think about.  My mom told me,” just because your used to spending a lot of money doesn’t mean you still can.  You need to start budgeting your money better.”  I am trying to spend my money better, but it is really expensive living on your own.            My friendships have changed significantly over the last six months.  I now know who my true friends are from home, and those friendships have gotten stronger because they harder to maintain.   I have lost contact with many old friends since I have moved.  My mom said to me,” I know it’s hard but ,things change.  You will keep your close friends and make new ones.” Mom couldn’t have been more right.  Not only about getting closer to old friends, but making new ones.              The best part about living on my own is freedom.  It has totally changed my life.  There is no one to make me go to school or clean my room.  No one to tell to be quiet if I’m being loud .  I enjoy the freedoms and responsibilities of living in Duluth.  With this freedom comes responsibility.  I have to be responsible to get myself to school and budget money. My parents even treat me differently when I go home now.  They treat me like an adult, which I like a lot.  It is nice not having to worry about “checking in” every night, to let my mom know where I’m at.              School is a lot different too.  I have noticed that teachers treat students with respect in college.  Also, the amount of hours you spend in school change drastically.  I spend half the amount of time I used to actually in school.  Now I am responsible to get work done outside of school rather that with a teacher looking over my back.              There are many good, as well as, bad changes living on my own.  I wish I didn’t have to worry about buying all the necessities that I used to take for granite. I would like to have more spending money to have some fun with.  Also, I would have liked to stay in touch with all my old friends, but I am happy that I was able to meet some new ones and builder a stronger friendships with the ones I am closest to.  It is hard living on my own but the freedom makes it all worth it.  Even though I love my family, I wouldn’t want to live at home ever again.