The Life of a Stranger: Nick Szelagowski By: Elizabeth Grant
Nick is a twenty-two-year-old man from Northeast Philadelphia. He has been in and out of jobs and schools, but is currently beginning a training program to become a welder. He lives with his girlfriend, Colleen, in her mom’s house. The couple had previously lived with Nick’s grandparents’. Nick’s passions are listening to classic rock and playing his guitar. He often wishes he was born in another era.
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Nick shows me around a place his dad took him when he was little. He says he has always wondered what’s on the other side of the lake and how to get there.
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Above: Nick stops by his grandparents’ house to pick up his amplifer. He spent much of his childhood living there. Below: Nick opens up a gift from his aunt. It’s a Led Zepplin CD. Right: Nick pets one of his grandparents’ cats.
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Much of Nick’s life revolves around music. He spends most of his time playing his guitar. It’s one of the few things that’s been constant in his life. Nick will spend two hours driving to the shore just to “jam” with his buddies. He doesn’t know anyone in the area who is on the same musical level as he is.
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Nick tests out guitars at the local Sam Ash Music Stores. He says he wants to save up his money to buy a new one soon. He believes it’s best to test out your options before you spend hundreds of dollars.
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