Wise Monkey News is here to provide young people an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their lives. We hope that, through your participation, this website serves as a forum for the development, exchange, and expression of ideas that will prepare us to assume our positions as the leaders of tomorrow's world. Have something to say?
Studying abroad in Spain proves to be an adventure
by: Sally Starker - printed on 02-28-2001
I couldn’t believe I was actually going to Spain. I was so excited, yet so scared. I arrived in Granada and my roommate and I met our host mother. We knew everything would be wonderful because she greeted us with a huge smile on her face.
I soon realized I had lots to learn about the Spanish culture. Once, I went into a grocery store to buy an onion. I went right over and picked it up, but when I turned around, I noticed everyone was looking at me.
A vision of peace
by: Hank Smith - printed on 03-27-2002
People who win the Nobel Prize for Peace are considered individuals of special talent and passion. They are seen as builders of a new world free of hate and war and murder. Books are written about them, television programs chronicle their lives, and their words are studied in classrooms throughout the world. These peacemakers, we think, are truly special people.
Yet do these Nobel laureates think of themselves as having more influence than other individuals? Do they see themselves as unique people with a special talent for peace building? The answer, gathered from their words, is a resounding no.
A unique student shares her global perspective
by: Christy Scheuer - printed on 01-23-2002
"What do you mean, 'crazy'" Asima laughs at my word choice, and then pelts me with questions about the incongruities of American diction and slang. "You say 'crazy' and it means so many different things. Also, 'slick.' What does that mean? None of these words mean the same here as they did in my English classes. Like 'cool' ? people don't use it to mean cold!" She looks at me inquisitively, automatically adjusting her cranberry colored headscarf, and then her face erupts into a smile.
Do not be afraid of big birds
by: Isaac Vanderburg - printed on 10-24-2001
Those West African tropical storms sure make for great conversations.
Like this time, two years ago, on the way to Ghana (the first time mom had returned in 30 years), on a lurching Ghana Airways 747 with 16 people on board. The plane left from London at one in the morning, so before the storm hit there hadn’t been much talking going on, just sleeping sounds and the occasional hiss of a pop can or flight attendant’s beep.
A Bush fan Speaks out
by: Interview with Joe Mellon - printed on 09-11-2002
I pretty much see two different arguments for why we shouldn't invade Iraq. The first is the emotional plea, and that's complete garbage. It lacks common sense and represents an extreme inability to deal with reality.
Spain struggles to close economic gap in a changing Europe
by: Hank Smith - printed on 01-31-2001
The final descent of my flight from Atlanta to Madrid was an amazing stress reliever. Gone were the common annoyances of any flight: the crying babies, the tiny seats, the airplane food. In their place grew my excitement for what was to come. Finally I had arrived in the land of Don Quixote, of bullfighting, the land of passion described by Hemingway. I stared out my window at the land below. Olive trees!
I spent my first week in Madrid with friends in Moncloa, a trendy, university-dominated neighborhood, experiencing the young, exuberant culture of a country catching up after 40 years of a repressive dictatorship.