Finding warmth in the wicked cold Massachusetts weather

Finding warmth in the wicked cold Massachusetts weather

From On Our Minds by Student Reporting Labs

May 20, 2026 · 12 min · Season 6 · Episode 6

About this episode

The episode explores the warmth of community in Massachusetts despite the cold weather.

Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds. It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming. Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who’ll dig your car out of the snow and give you some great advice along the way. Then, middle schoolers who hail from all over the world explain how they felt about ending up at a school together in western Massachusetts — learning English, making friends, and finally finding “a place to chill.” Today’s segments were produced by Shake Mukasa and Afia, Bronstead, Lovemica and Jeily from Emergence Academy with support from their teacher, Steven Marles. 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. Featuring footage by Uganda Stock Footage Hub. Tune in next week when our road trip takes us to New York City!

People in this episode

Hosts: Zack, Helena

Guest: Shane

Topics covered

  • cold weather
  • community
  • immigration
  • friendship
  • school experience

Keywords

  • Massachusetts
  • cold weather
  • community
  • middle school
  • immigration
  • friendship
  • English learning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Emergence Academy, KUT, WETA

Places: Massachusetts, Attleboro, New York City, western Massachusetts, Uganda

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