WNYC's Radio Rookies

"The Chernobyl Disaster" by Irina Sverzhanovskaya

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wednesday, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2009. Rookie Reporter Irina always saw herself as a Chernobyl victim, but the more she learns about the effects of the nuclear radiation, the less she sees herself as one of those victims.

"Promotion in Doubt" by AJ Frazier

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2009. Radio Rookie AJ Frazier reports on how the higher standards in New York City schools impact his work ethic and explores the shady line between getting promoted or being left behind.

"Money Stress" by Erikka Diaz

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2009. Rookie Reporter Erikka Diaz has lived in poverty her whole life and like many of her neighbors in the South Bronx, her family knows well the anxieties of not having enough money to go around.

"My School is Known for All the Wrong Reasons" by Edward Llanos

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired June, 2006. Edward Llanos reports on his school its reputation for crime and violence.

"9/11 and My Family" by Karla Saavedra

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired March, 2002. Karla reported on the economic impact of September 11th for WNYC's special Six Months documentary.

"Teen Rights" by Alena Kuczynski

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2002. Alena's parents let her make a lot of her own decisions, but when Alena leaves her apartment she feels discriminated against because of her age.

"Bushwick" by Jose Lopez

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2001. Jose's story is about how there are not enough free things for kids in Bushwick to do after school.

"Teasing" by Brittany Hill

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2002. Being called "burger" has made fourteen year old Brittany mad and sad. She talks to her classmates about teasing in their school and admits that she teases sometimes too.

"Dominican Republic" by Angely Tavares

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2002. Angely's family immigrated to New York for a "better life." But she's not sure they made the right decision.

"Growing Up, Getting By" Radio Rookies Hour-Long Special

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 PDT

The stories you'll hear in this hour-long special are about how teenagers find their way to adulthood and offers a chance to find out what happened next in the Rookies' lives, years after their stories first aired.

"Subways" by Samr "Rocky" Tayeh

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2004. The New York City subway system was celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2004. Midwood Radio Rookie Samr "Rocky" Tayeh reported on what subways mean to teenagers in the city.

"Virginity" by Carmen Mojica

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired May, 2001. Carmen wants to stay a virgin until she gets married. But TV, music and peer pressure all seem to be conspiring against her. Is virginity losing its value in our culture?

"School" by Rafael "Macho" Lopez

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2001. Macho dropped out of school a year and a half before joining Radio Rookies. In this story, he investigates why he decided to drop out and talks about his plans for the future.

"In-Your-Face Parents" by Heidi Choe

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Heidi Choe's parents pay attention to her -- A LOT of attention. She thinks in-your-face parenting can be overdone.

"Religion and Family" by Heather Oplinger

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Religion brings some families together, but Radio Rookie Heather Oplinger says it pushes others apart. She and her mother are among many who argue over where and how to worship.

"We Have Stories to Tell" by Amina Tariq

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Radio Rookie Amina Tariq isn't proud of it but admits that she and her friends gossip all the time. Even though everyone is doing it, Amina starts to feel conflicted about the amount of time she spends talking about other people. She also comes to realize that she herself is a target.

"Growing Up Alone" by Sunnie Hwang

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2002. Radio Rookie Sunnie Hwang moved to the US from Korea, hoping she would find the happiness she had as a child -- when her parents were still alive.

"Anchor Dream" by Linda Lee

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2002. Radio Rookie Linda Lee dreams of being the next Kaity Tong, the WB11's nightly news co-anchor. But Linda worries her Korean roots will get in her way.

"Someone to Tuck Me In" by Raymond Henderson

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2009. Radio Rookie Raymond Henderson is facing a very grown-up decision: his foster mother wants to adopt him. But for Raymond, and many foster kids like him, the idea of adoption can feel more like a burden than a blessing.

"My High School Crush" by Keith Harris

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2009. In honor of unrequited love, Radio Rookie Keith Harris shares a story about an all-consuming, exhilarating, and over-the-top high school crush.

"My Mother vs. The Streets" by Jacuyra

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2008. Radio Rookie Jacuyra doesn't always realize the consequences of her actions. Her mom has to keep a close eye on her because Jacuyra's made some serious mistakes in the past.

"Stuck" by Kaddeem Wright

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2008. Radio Rookie Kaddeem Wright has been resolving to do better in school for years, but over and over again he keeps finding himself stuck.

"Home Alone" by Krystle Murray

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2008. Radio Rookie Krystle Murray's single mom often works long hours, sometimes coming home as late as 2 a.m. Krystle feels guilty about how hard her mom works to provide for them, while at the same time wondering if it's been worth it.

"I'm Not Emo" by Josetta Adams

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2008. Radio Rookie Josetta Adams found refuge in rock music when she slipped into a depression a few years ago. But her way of expressing her feelings got her called a "sell-out" in her Caribbean American family. She wants to know why she's been criticized.

"Read a Book" by Keith Harris

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2008. Keith Harris had a secret when he started school in the U.S. for the first time: he didn't know how to read and write. Now a successful and literate high school senior, Keith's story takes us into his journey to literacy.

"The Internet Bug" by Yesica Balderrama

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Like a lot of teenagers, Yesica has spent hours and hours online, mostly chatting to her friends, some of whom lived only blocks away. Sometimes she found she couldn't stop herself from logging on. Yesica decided to take a closer look at what was driving this exhausting need.

"Tracking" by Jaimita Haskell

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired April, 2002. Jaimita got bumped up into a more advanced high school program, then, because of overcrowding, she got dropped back into the relative chaos of mainstream classes. As she reports on these changes, Jaimita surprises herself and her principal.

"Losing Home" by Wen Ou

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Wen moved to the United States from China in 2001 and hasn't returned. Five years later, she wishes she had appreciated her relatives more when she was still living with them.

"Lucid Dreaming" by Neil Ramkissoon

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Have you ever had a dream that you were aware you were dreaming? Neil had a dream like that so powerful and intense that it set him on a months-long journey to perfect the art of lucid dreaming.

"The N-Word: It Represents Hatred" by Veralyn Williams

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired December, 2006. Veralyn Williams explores the complexities of a contested term by discussing the limits of the N-word. Who can use it? How has its meaning changed over time?

"Timmy" by Jonathan Fauske

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired April, 2002. Jonathan looks at the challenges of being an older brother to someone with Down Syndrome...and just being an older brother.

"Meeting the Republicans" by Shakima Swain

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired September, 2004. Eighteen-year-old Radio Rookie Shakima Swain, a first time voter, finds out what it means to be a Republican at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City.

"Heroin" by Janesse "Nesse" Nieves

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired May, 2001. Janesse's father left her and her family for Heroin when she was very young. Janesse takes her microphone to her father's house to try to convince him he should leave Heroin alone.

"Parenting Pointers" by Carlos "Chico" Gonzalez

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 8 Aug 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired June, 2005. Chico loves his parents, but thinks they can learn a few things about parenting - from him. Chico thinks since he's a teen, he knows how best to parent teens. Chico's come up with some pointers for parents, and explores them in his story.

"Segregation" by Mary Fory

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2002. Mary Fory moved to Queens from Colombia. Now she lives among immigrants from many different countries, but she's noticed that even those who speak Spanish tend not to hang out with each other. Mary's friends are all Colombians.

"My Family Remembers" by Edward Llanos

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2006. Edward was 12-years-old when he entered the hospital and received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his littlest brother, followed by months in the hospital and a year recuperating at home. Now a healthy high school senior, Edward decides to revisit this part of his past and discovers that each of his family members experienced his illness in ways he didn't (or couldn't) recognize at the time and some effects still linger.

"Legal Status" by Veralyn Williams

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired June, 2005. Veralyn is confused about her legal status. She's not a citizen, she doesn't have a green card and she doesn't even know what rights she has. When Veralyn starts to ask questions, some of her family members get nervous and uncomfortable.

"Superstar" by David Sealey

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired May 2001. David is obsessed with becoming a star -- he wants a mansion, a limo, constant media attention and his own clothing line. But his mother says he should be worrying about his report card.

"Activism on Staten Island" by Marisa Day

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired April, 2002. Marisa, leftist teen activist, tries to start a youth activism group on Staten Island and learns a few things about what does and doesn't sway the conservative masses.

"Guns" by Jesus Gonzalez.

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 7 May 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February 2, 2001. No one under the age of 21 is allowed to buy a gun in New York City. But Jesus says, many of the teenagers in his Brooklyn neighborhood have guns.

"Being Black" by Allison Jones.

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Wed, 10 Oct 2003 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2003. Allison grew up in a predominately Black neighborhood in Brooklyn but went to private school with mostly white kids in an affluent white neighborhood. Before she left for college, Allison explored what it meant to be Black like her.

"My Not So Sweet Home" by Krystle Monclova

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired March 2008. Fourteen-year-old Krystle has been living in a group home in Manhattan since last summer. She never expected to wind up in "the system," but when conflicts between Krystle and her mother reached a boiling point she found herself separated from her family. In her radio story, Krystle documents what life is like in the group home and how she might be able to move back to her family.

"Growing Up in The System" by Shirley Diaz

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February 2008. Shirley’s life has been shaped by the tragedy of her mother’s murder and having been raised in several foster homes. To avoid being consumed by loss, Shirley tries to make sense of it all.

"Emancipation Proclamation" by Jordan Teklay

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired February, 2008. At 15 emancipation has brought both freedom and hardship for Jordan. Now 17, he's trying to understand what it means to be an adult.

"Obsession" by Catalina Puente

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired June, 2005. Catalina tells us how her romantic obsession almost ruined her life.

"Depression" by Linda Cuevas

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2001. Linda was 14 when she spent two weeks in a mental hospital after attempting suicide. 3 years later she shares her story.

"Teacher" by Anthony Brooks

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 02 Jan 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2003. Anthony's sixth grade teacher died suddenly from a brain anuerysm. She made an extraordinary impact on his life. More than two years later, Anthony is still dealing with with his grief over her loss.

"Mom" by Eric Wilson.

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 02 Jan 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Aired May, 2001. Eric doesn't really know his parents and have been raised by his grandmother all his life, but he still feels something is missing.

"Fashion Obsession" by Shakima Swain

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Aired January, 2003. Since little Shakima has been dressing up in style, but it's been harder to keep up with the name brands she adores since her family's finances have changed.

"Me and Junior" by Michael Lewis

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Aired October, 2003. Michael idolizes his older brother, Junior, who insists that Michael stay in school, but doesn't do much to give Michael a positive example. Michael questions whether he can, or even wants to, separate enough from his brother to change his ways.

"Berlin Philharmoniker Visits New York" by Veralyn Williams

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Aired Nov, 2007. Veralyn Williams spent the last 3 weeks following a group of HS students as they prepare to perform this weekend with members of the Berlin Philharmoniker.

"Poetry" by Judith Rudge

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Aired May 2001. Since moving from Suriname at age 12 Judith felt she didn't fit in any group, especially in HS. Instead of taking up arms -- she takes up poetry.

"Questions" by Munir Karim

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Munir’s story is a window into the philosophical realm of one teenager's mind.

"Trini-American"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Janelle Lewis was born in the United States, but likes to identify herself as Trini. Janelle's report tracks her lifelong quest: figuring out whether she's American or Trini, or both and why.

"George W. Bush"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Radio Rookie Jiovan Ortiz went on a quest to find out why most people in his Bronx neighborhood say they don't like President Bush. Originally aired May, 2001.

"Stress After 9/ll"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Since September 11th, Jacky has noticed that confusion and anxiety has seeped into the everyday lives of Staten Island teens.

"We Have Stories to Tell"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Let's face it, gossiping has a bad reputation. Even so, new research finds that most of us do it, a lot more then we'd like to admit or maybe even realize. Just to clarify: gossip is the act of talking about someone who isn't there and it does not have to involve spreading rumors. Radio Rookie Amina Tariq is a senior at a private Islamic High School. She readily admits that she gossips a ton...even though she's not proud of it.

"What about Me, Uncle Sam?"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Every day on his way to school, Christian passes a group of men lined up for work on the street. Most of them are undocumented Mexican immigrants -- just like him -- without any pathway to legal citizenship.

"Feeling Ugly Inside"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:00:00 PDT

When Marie Stephen resolved to lose 40 pounds last summer, she thought that would be the end of her struggles with self-esteem. But after exercising and dieting her way to a slimmer figure, she has found her confidence much slower to improve.

"One Atheist, 14 Catholics"

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Radio Rookie Sonia Ponce is the only atheist among her parent's 13 children— a fact that often leaves her feeling misunderstood and tired of explaining that just because she doesn't believe in God, she doesn't worship the devil.

“The Second Mom”

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC Radio, Radio Rookies) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:00:00 PDT

Radio Rookie Sara Martinez has shouldered a lot more responsibility than most teenagers. She’s like a second mother to her three younger siblings, including the littlest, Diego, who has autism. .