NEXT GEN RADIO IS A FIVE-DAY, AUDIO FOCUSED DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECT

OUR THEME FOR 2023: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “HOME”?

Illustration of a man holding a tranquil image of the house to his chest amidst the whirlwind of uncertainty

WEST TEXAN RECONNECTS WITH FAMILY AND FINDS HOME IN HISTORIC ADOBE HOUSE

Illustration portrait of Sarah with a hot pink background. Sarah has glasses, black hair and big hoop earings.

by SARAH VASQUEZ

Seven years ago, Miguel Mendías learned that the small adobe home that has been in his family for over a century was on the brink of being sold. With only a few hundred dollars, he uprooted his life to reclaim the house and reconnected with his family history along the way.

The illustration depicts a map of the United States highlighted with states that Haley has lived in. Each state is illustrated with Haley’s memory, such as sisterhood, campaign, and loss. The title “Haley’s Trek” is in the top right corner. In the bottom right corner, Haley pushes a cart with moving boxes.

POLITICS TOOK HER ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE NEED TO RECHARGE BROUGHT HER HOME

Pictured is Next Generation Radio participant Kait Lavo.

by BRITTANY STUBBLEFIELD-ENGRAM

In a world of political campaigns, momentous moves, and vintage vinyls, Haley Hager’s heart remains nestled to a quiet cul-de-sac in Frisco, Texas in her nostalgic childhood bedroom. Uncovering the poignant trek of a 33-year-old woman toward stability. With her mother’s legacy echoing through her political work and personal values Haley Hager’s definition of home is as much a journey as it is a destination.

A central woman is seen cooking with a soft and contemplative expression on her face. Within her bright turquoise, you can see the image of three children—two very young sleeping peacefully and a much older girl watching them—they are siblings. There are abstract round shapes of pinks, yellows, and oranges flowing off of the woman behind her as she stirs food in a bowl. In the pink background, a group of happy women can be seen doing various activities like reading and chatting together.

SINGLE MOM FINDS SECOND CHANCE AT WOMEN’S SHELTER: “IT’S A HOME IN BETWEEN HOMES”

by ALYSON RODRIGUEZ

For much of her life, Gloria Staine has searched for a safe space where she belongs. In El Paso, she has found some peace and stability at a women’s shelter called Villa Maria. But Gloria is working towards reuniting with her kids and providing them a home that she never had.

Illustration of a man walking into an invisible church in the wild.

TEXAS RANCHER CREATES SANCTUARY FOR THREATENED HORNED LIZARDS

by JADE EMERSON

Home for 69-year-old Brian Wright is the White Ranch outside of Mason, Texas. As the ranch’s manager, Wright’s job is to protect the assets of the 9,500 acre property. But he’s expanded that mission beyond protecting the things that are profitable or even pretty. He also protects creatures covered in scales and horns, too. Wright is on a mission to combine ranching with conservation and share the land with threatened Texas horned lizards.

A drag queen in a large blonde wig speaking into a microphone as she addresses the crowd. In her other hand she holds a purple butterfly net behind her head used to collect money.

THIS AUSTIN ARTIST HONORS HER VIETNAMESE FAMILY AND LANGUAGE THROUGH SONGWRITING

An illustration of Angela with a starry turquoise background.

by ANGELA LIM

Promqueen, an artist based in Austin, Texas, spotlights personal and familial experiences in her English and Vietnamese lyrics. She now unapologetically performs as her most authentic self.