This feature was written by Laura Knapp in conjunction with OSU Global Opportunities.
The eagerly awaited Wanderlust Exhibit made its debut at Kidder Hall on February 18th. This inaugural exhibition was a collaboration between Emily Rech with OSU Global Opportunities (OSU GO) and Bradley Boovy and Helen Wilhelm with World Languages & Cultures (WLC), and showcased a stunning collection of photographs captured by OSU’s very own students while studying abroad. Featuring 19 students, 29 photos, and 12 locations, this exhibit highlights the unique cultural moments that shaped their journeys.
Wanderlust, a term derived from German that describes a deep yearning to explore the unknown, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this exhibition. From Nepalese monastic handoffs to enjoying maíz asado with a local family, each photograph tells a powerful story of cultural immersion and connection.
These students have captured the magic of experiencing new perspectives, from staring out over the rooftops of an ancient city into the canals below, trekking through a remote wilderness, or watching talented street artists create an intricate portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa right in front of them. Students and faculty gathered to hear from the exhibit’s organizers, who spoke to the importance of exploring new cultures and broadening our perspectives.
The floor then opened to students who were excited to share their photographs and the stories behind them. One student shared, “My time abroad inspired me to never stop asking questions, to keep being curious, to say yes, and to always remember that growth comes from discomfort.” Their photos speak not only to their creativity but also to their deep engagement with the cultures they encountered, sparking the very same feeling of wanderlust that the exhibit’s name evokes.
To walk around the gallery is to travel the world in an instant—to feel the pull of wanderlust and perhaps feel encouraged to do the same. The Wanderlust Exhibit will remain open at the Little Gallery in Kidder Hall until March 21. We invite you to stop by and see the world through our students' eyes—and perhaps feel inspired to answer the call of Wanderlust yourself.
"Only those who risk going too far can find out how far one can go." — T.S. Eliot
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