By giving New York City teenagers the tools to tell stories specific to their realities for over a decade, it is no surprise that Radio Rookies’ stories reflect how some teen issues have evolved over the years. This is especially true when it comes to the thin line between gossiping and bullying. Going through the Rookies archive, one can hear how the emergence of the internet and social media has amplified this issue.

Yesterday, one of WNYC's Radio Rookies told her story about not being able to be honest with her family in Congo about how hard life is in the United States. Danielle joins to tell her story, and Kim Nichols of the African Services Committee joins to talk about why it's so difficult to tell the truth about challenges.

The phone lines are open for stories from immigrants about what you tell your family and friends in your home country about life here. Did your expectations meet reality? What do you think they expect to hear about life here? Call in to 212-433-WNYC/9692 or leave your comment below. 

Radio Rookies took a trip to the Catskills -- tasting a bit of fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoyed the star filled night skies.  The trip was a tremendous success (we didn't get eaten by any bears!).

Check out this beautiful video produced by TakePart about how Radio Rookie Erin Reeg reported on her experiences after 9/11.  It gives a real window into the process of making a Radio Rookies story and how the staff facilitates helping people report and tell their own stories.

After months of preparation for the NYC Digital Waves Youth Media Festival, it finally arrived on Saturday July 30^th - as it quickly came it also quickly passed. I miss the festival already. But maybe it was part of the appeal so we would hunger more for next year! Even as someone who planned this event I didn't feel like, "finally it's done now move on," (maybe a tiny bit), but I want more.