First Days in America is a set of non-narrated audio and digital stories that highlight the experiences of immigrants in a changing America.
The Stories
The people featured in our stories came to America from around the globe. See where they’re from.
Diving in the deep … just like James Bond
A 1965 movie set John McFadden on a course for life in the water and took him on a journey around the world in the process.
Romanian doctor finds freedom through medicine
Dan Streja is a Jewish doctor who made his way from Romania to France then Canada and is now a successful doctor in Los Angeles.
A journey from Senegal to Connecticut, all for soccer
When Papi Diouf moved to the U.S. to pursue sports, he realized family goes far beyond blood.
How new experiences led a Peruvian globetrotter to the San Fernando Valley
From his childhood, Orlando Olarte always knew he wanted more for his life. Coming from Lima, Peru, the 78-year-old man has found his home in the San Fernando Valley, where he runs World One Insurance Agency.
From one way streets to four-lane freeways
Gabriela Linares was born in El Salvador and moved to Southern California at age 14. She is a California State University, Northridge student who is working toward her master’s degree.
Reflections
Our students reflect on their experience with NextGenRadio.
Finding comfort in being uncomfortable
By Andres Soto
What I learned from telling the story of a woman from El Salvador
By Sofia Gutierrez
Trust your gut
By Andrea Tanchez
My Next Generation scramble
By Elaine Sanders
My week in sound
By PJ Shahamat
Expanding my horizons
By Joelena Despard