Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood

Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood

From On Our Minds by Student Reporting Labs

April 15, 2026 · 8 min · Season 6 · Episode 1

About this episode

Theo shares a personal story about rediscovering childhood memories during a road trip in Colorado.

On Our Minds is produced by teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. For our sixth season, hosts Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina head out on a road trip across the U.S. This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscover memories you didn’t even realize you’d forgotten. Along the way, hosts Helena and Zack reflect on their own ideas about nostalgia. Theo Bonavita produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode with assistance from Wyatt Mayes. Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz, with graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

People in this episode

Hosts: Zack, Helena

Guest: Theo Bonavita

Topics covered

  • nostalgia
  • childhood
  • personal stories
  • road trip
  • memory
  • traditions

Keywords

  • nostalgia
  • childhood
  • memories
  • road trip
  • traditions
  • personal story

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PBS News Student Reporting Labs, KUT, WETA

Books & works: On Our Minds

Places: Winter Park, Colorado

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