We're halfway through our current workshop in the Bronx, at the Next Generation Center. Here's some photos of the Rookies at work.

During my workshop in the fall of 2004, we got microphones I thought resembled giant lollipops. I was always afraid I'd stick its head near the interviewee's mouth too fast and vigorously causing a bruised lip or a chipped tooth. I'd have to plead for mercy in an emergency room amidst wailing ambulance sirens and explain that I was only trying to complete an assignment for my radio workshop. Thankfully, this never happened.

When Kaari, Sanda and I walk into the Next Generation Center, the home of our current Bronx workshop, it's like walking into a house party. Hip hop and rap deejayed by kids from the center thumps just a little too loud. I keep thinking some adult is going to put the kabosh on this, but they don't seem phased.

As the new Rookies intern (and former Rookie myself) I had the pleasure of accompanying AJ, Keith and Courtney for a small tour of the neighborhood. We walked down 172nd street away from the elevated 5 & 2 train lines in search of possible interviewees.

Defining a great story or angle for a topic is one of the trickiest moments in the Radio Rookies workshop.  The Rookie has to find a story idea that will capture her attention for six months, a topic that will have meaning to a greater audience.  Sometimes the perfect story idea jumps out during the first day of workshop, but usually the process takes building trust, several conversations, and reflection to find the perfect story idea.

Last night was the kind of evening when most people want to curl up under a blanket watch the latest episode of 106 & Park or 30 Rock. With temperatures in the lower teens, I wondered how many of the new Radio Rookies would make the 1.5 hour trek from their neighborhood down to Soho to visit WNYC Radio for the first time.

Radio Rookies works with teenagers to create documentary stories about the things that matter most to them. We hold 6-month long workshops around New York City's five boroughs, teaching young people how to do interviews, record sounds, and structure a story that, ultimately, will air onWNYC . The Radio Rookies Blog is a place for program staff and participants to take you behind the scenes, to give you a chance to get to know us better, and to hear what's on the Rookies' minds.

The Radio Rookies Blog is a place for program staff and participants to take you behind the scenes. You'll hear from the producers and the Rookies, past and present. Check back often to hear what’s on the Rookies’ minds.

The broadcast Radio Rookies Brooklyn workshop was held in partnership with the High School for Global Citizenship (HSGC) in Crown Heights. The newest Rookies stories explored why parents work so much, child abuse, literacy, not reaching one's potential, and being different. Listen here.