My Neighborhood

Before living in Utah I spoke so differently that many people would assume that I grew up in the “ghetto”, which is somewhat true. However you don’t have to live in a certain place to speak a certain way. My family and friends influenced my speech, not my neighborhood. I was born in Sacramento, CA and raised in Hayward. Hayward is primarily Hispanic, but other minorities live there as well. I lived specifically in South Hayward, which I guess you could consider the ghetto of Hayward. It was lower income, but the properties were all still very nice. The apartment building I lived in was based of income. My mother and I lived in a 3 bedroom, and since my mother worked a decent job she was paying the highest rent. However there were families paying $250 for the same 3 bedroom. As a minor with no real responsibilities, this amazed me. I felt as if I didn’t need to push myself to do any better, because I could live in a nice place for cheap. Addition to our apartments being affordable for everybody it was in a pretty nice neighborhood. It was clean, quiet and safe. I never once felt like I was in danger or uncomfortable. I don't think that my neighbor