On Our Minds

In the final episode of this season, student producer Joslyn shares her journey of moving from place to place and always finding herself drawn back to Las Vegas.
From snowy Michigan winters to the bright lights of the Strip, Joslyn reflects on identity, belonging, and the moment she realized where home truly was.
Today’s segment was produced by Joslyn Rakes.
Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes
Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memories of iconic road trips quickly expands into a reflection on freedom, identity, risk, and connection— through stories ranging from childhood van rides in Puerto Rico to cross-country adventures and near-miss highway moments. As teachers and teens swap travel memories, the conversation becomes less about vehicles and more about the journeys that shape how we see the world, the people we become on the road, and the meaning we carry with us long after the trip ends.
Featured educators:
Gil Garcia taught video production and broadcast journalism for 10 years at various schools in Austin, Texas.
Trina Moore is a recently retired teacher who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and never says no to a good road trip.
Robert Casas teaches Digital Media Production, Broadcast Journalism, and AP Computer Science Principles at Westview High School in San Diego, where he has taught media courses since 2012.
Road Trip Playlist: This conversation inspired us to create a community-powered road trip soundtrack featuring song picks from SRL educators and student journalists. Queue it up for your next adventure! SRL Summer Road Trip Mix
This episode was produced by Senior Community Engagement Manager Emily Hope Dobkin with editing and mixing by Justin Rhodes. Zach and Helena from On Our Minds hosted this episode featuring SRL educators Trina Moore, Robert Casas and Gil Garcia. Additional production support was provided by Becky Wandel, Wyatt Mayes, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and oversight by Marie Cusick and Executive Director Leah Clapman. Special thanks to WETA.

In suburban California, getting around often means getting in a car. But for Keerthi in San Ramon and Padma in Fremont, walking, running, and riding the bus opened up a different view of their hometowns. Along trails, sidewalks, and bus routes, they discovered hidden neighborhoods, unexpected connections, and the small moments that make a community feel alive. This episode explores what happens when we stop rushing to our destination and start paying attention to the journey.
Today’s segments were produced by Keerthi Eraniyan and Padma Balaji.
Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode.
Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

What does it mean to live in a city where cultures, languages, and traditions meet every day?
In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities. 
Along the way, hosts Zack and Helena share the foods that connect them to their cultures—from tacos to pernil—and reflect on how food can bring people together across differences.
Today’s segment was produced by Marium Zahra and Aruja Misra.
Wyatt Mayes produced, edited and mixed this episode.
Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

This On Our Minds episode heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where hosts Zack and Helena reflect on belonging, culture and the small details that make a place feel like home. The episode explores Calle Loíza, a vibrant street long shaped by generations of residents from around the globe, now facing an uncertain future as it becomes a tourist destination.
Today’s segments were produced by Miranda Jatib and Emilio Solé.
Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode.
Graphics by Anurag Papolu.
Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA.
Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.