After studying psychology, Susan moved to New York to find a job in what she called “a young person’s field" and as a result, landed a successful career in advertising. Years later, taking the expertise she gained in production into the classroom, Susan began working with high school students on their communication skills. Each year, she and Ms. Cinzia produce the annual speech day at Manhattan International High School. This final episode of season one explores why Ms. Susan believes...

Mary and her family were forced to leave their home because of the civil war in their country, Sierra Leone. They spent years living in hiding in Guinea, going without education and often without food. Mary's essay explores the long, difficult years of being displaced from home and celebrates the resilient spirit of her family. Looking for a way to say thanks? Check out our Spotify Playlist: “Thank You To Producer Chris”. Special Thanks to: Mary for sharing her story. Everyone at Manhattan...

A few days before the annual speech day, one of the students named Matt who was selected to share his story decides to drop out. Matt's teachers, Ms. Susan and Ms. Cinzia, work together to figure out if he is merely perpetuating his usual habit of not completing work or if he is actually just nervous to feel vulnerable in front of his peers. Matt must decide whether or not he is willing to talk about the complicated relationship he has with his father. Special Thanks to: Matt for sharing his...

Angie and Jonathan both have something in common. Yes, they are both immigrant teenagers getting accustomed to life in America after moving from Columbia and Honduras, and yes, they both go to Manhattan International High School. But beyond all that, in this episode they are encouraged to face internal anxieties through the power of teamwork and community. Special Thanks to: Angie and Jonathan for sharing their stories. Everyone at Manhattan International High School. Chris McLeod for...

Fatime grew up in the Ivory Coast but spent most of her childhood moving from place to place because of her mother’s struggle with a mood disorder. When Fatime’s brother dies suddenly, she is forced to look after her mother who struggles to cope. In her essay, Fatime explores her complicated feelings towards her mother and makes a plan for the future. Special Thanks to: Fatime for sharing her story, Everyone at Manhattan International High School, Chris McLeod for producing the show and for...

Ms. Cinzia is in her seventh year teaching 12th grade English at Manhattan International High School. Every year, she collaborates with Ms. Susan, a communications teacher, to help her students use writing as a way to learn more about themselves and their places in the world. In this episode, Ms. Cinzia shares the story of her life and her search for good teachers. Special Thanks to: Ms. Cinzia for sharing his story. Everyone at Manhattan International High School Chris McLeod for producing...

When Zi Khai first moved from China to America, he and his mother lived in Kentucky to help with the family restaurant. Zi Khai was only twelve years old at the time and quickly learned that life can be difficult in a new place when you don’t know all of the rules. In this episode, Zi Khai shares the three lessons he learned during his experience living as an immigrant in Kentucky. Special Thanks to: Zi Khai for sharing his story. Everyone at Manhattan International High School, especially...

Growing up in The Dominican Republic, Christopher was always embarrassed by his family’s financial situation. He often felt as though people were looking down him because of all his family didn’t have. Through the process of writing his essay, Christopher not only discovers what’s really important to him but where exactly the judgment is coming from. Special Thanks to: Christopher for sharing his story. Everyone at Manhattan International High School, especially Ms. Susan and Ms. Cinzia....

Erica is from Taiwan with dreams of one day becoming a heart surgeon. She moves to America in order to pursue her goal, but the journey quickly proves to be a lonely one. Through sharing her essay with her classmates, Erica learns to accept the difficulties that come along with her choices. Special Thanks to: Erica for sharing her story and musical talents. Everyone at Manhattan International High School, most specifically the students. An extra special thanks to Ms. Susan and Ms. Cinzia for...

Sana is a senior at Manhattan International High School. She was born in Pakistan but left the country to live in America with her father when she was a young teenager. In her essay, Sana explores what it means to feel confident about herself and connected to the people around her. Through working with her teachers, Ms. Susan and Ms. Cinzia, Sana learns too what it means to compromise. Special Thanks to: Sana for sharing her story. Everyone at Manhattan International High School,...

Host Katie Shepherd shares how she ended up at Manhattan International High School and introduces the students and teachers you’ll hear in this season of What’s Happening Here. A show about pivotal moments, this first seasons follows a group of students who attend an international high school as they prepare for speech day with their teachers Ms. Susan and Ms. Cinzia. Special Thanks to: Everyone at Manhattan International High School, specifically the students and Principal Gladys. An extra...

What’s Happening Here is a new series that documents pivotal moments in people’s lives, those moments where everything changes. Each season we’ll follow individuals going through major life events and record the stories that emerge in the process. For this preview, host Katie Shepherd and Producer Chris McLeod headed to Times Square to ask people share some of their major life moments. From falling in love to fall-outs, this show explores what exactly happens in the shift. In season one, we...