On and Off Campus Blog: Miles From Home, Closer to Family
By Caroline Dudzinski ‘26
My brother Dave barreled in. “Now we can go!”
Everyone stared in confusion. “The Grand Canyon! I got my ‘Every Kid Outdoors’ pass. All fourth graders enter National Parks for free!”
My two brothers and I turned to our parents who said in unison, “We’ll think about it…”
Translation? Not happening. Imagine our surprise when, five months later, we were off on our new annual family tradition: the RV trip.
My brothers could not contain their excitement as we pulled into Salt Lake City’s Cruise America, ready to traverse the American Southwest’s endless expanses. I plastered on a fake smile as I considered, “How am I going to survive fifteen hundred miles locked in this cramped RV with my annoying brothers? Not to mention limited showers and oppressive heat!”
The next morning, I donned my CamelBak to begin hiking the Delicate Arch’s winding path. My heart was pounding—did I mention my fear of heights?—and I concentrated on putting one foot before the other. There it was, the Delicate Arch, perched high above the canyon floor. My brother William grasped my hand. “It’s okay, Caroline. I’m here.” We walked hand-in-hand, joining our family beneath the majestic rock formation. Everyone crowded around, steadying me in a massive embrace to take our Christmas card photograph.
To my surprise, I loved this and every successive RV adventure—to Montana-Wyoming-South Dakota, Tennessee-Kentucky-North Carolina, and Nova Scotia-Prince Edward Island. Our RV trips cast my family and me into unique situations where we relied on each other in remote environments, while learning about the world and maturing together; these adventures have been infinitely important in growing my relationships with my brothers and parents. Family togetherness can blossom in the oddest places. We bonded over our shared awe and insignificance before the Grand Canyon’s majesty, found joy when I chased—on foot!—and successfully apprehended a calf at Wyoming’s Cody Stampede Rodeo, tended to each other after my father accidentally assaulted us inside the RV with bear spray at Yellowstone, and united in disgusting solidarity to clean up after the overflowing toilet outside Graceland.
Now, I engage and play more with my little brothers, actively confide in my parents, and reach deep within myself to face challenges. Alaska is on the docket for summer 2026, and I cannot wait for our no-internet-access barbeques under the starry heavens, where we have only our campfire and the warmth of our family.so many different people—parents, siblings, teachers, friends, classmates, staff, coworkers, and more—and The Good Place teaches us that the relationships we foster affect how we grow. I’ve had the privilege of having amazing friends and family who support me through my smart and stupid decisions. In turn, I’ve been able to believe in myself.
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