Radio Rookie Mame Diop never wanted to leave Senegal, even though her mother lived in the United States. But then in 2017, Mame came to New York both to be reunited with her mother and for her education. Mame wonders why she's in the US and whether the opportunities afforded her are truly better than what she could achieve in Senegal. She misses home, her grandmother, her extended family and her friends. While many in the US assume it's a better life with more opportunities, Mame explores whether that's true for her.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of WNYC’s Radio Rookies program. Our stories are archived by subject here.