Coming of Age Stories: a Collection
A series about growing up written by seven Chicago teens. I co-produced these stories with Amy Dorn for Chicago Matters: Our Next Generation.

awards for Coming of Age stories
• Third Coast International Audio Festival, Honorable Mention, 2004
• Clarion Award, Best Documentary Series on Public Radio, 2005
• National Mental Health Association, Best First-Person Account, 2005

Me and My Realtor
Suzana describes her initiation into adulthood: first, she loses her childhood home in the chaos of war in Croatia, then serves as her family's official translator, negotiating all of their basic needs in a new country -- most importantly, finding them a home.
• Listen to "Me and My Realtor"

The Big Whack-A-Mole Game In My Head
For most people, growing up means learning to become more serious. But for thirteen-year-old Jake*, who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, it's about learning how to become more laid-back.
**National Mental Health Association Best First-Person Account**
• Listen to "The Big Whack-A-Mole Game In My Head"

Sad, Sad, Sad
Nineteen-year-old Rochelle* remembers a time when she was looking for someone to be her guiding light – and almost ended up in jail.
• Listen to "Sad, Sad, Sad"

Are You Trying to be Corny?
Kim thought she wanted a mature relationship. But the role of "nagging grandmother" was more than she bargained for.
• Listen to "Are You Trying to be Corny?"

Dead Man in the Way
High school sophomore Antoine* used to have the same name as his father. In this story, he explains why he changed it.
• Listen to "Dead Man in the Way"

The Ugliness
Monique had a group of friends who would have slumber parties and go to the arcade. She dreamed that when they grew up, they'd be as close as the women on Sex and the City. But when two of her friends started dating each other, everything changed.
• Listen to "The Ugliness"

All My Stuff in Bags
Daniel* finds his way toward adulthood by having it thrust upon him when his father kicks him out of the house for being gay. Now on his own sooner than he expected, he has to figure out how to find a home, support himself, and finish high school.
**Third Coast International Audio Festival Honorable Mention**
• Listen to "All My Stuff in Bags"

* indicates that names have been changed

Thanks to Trevor de Clercq for his original music in "Me and My Realtor," "Sad, Sad, Sad," and "All My Stuff in Bags" and to Jason Bitner for his original music in "Sad, Sad, Sad" and "Are You Trying to be Corny?"