How to Explore this Exhibit

Welcome to this photovoice exhibit. The photographs and narratives you will see represent the lived experiences of some immigrant-origin college students in the Midwest, as they reflect on material, relational, and subjective aspects of their wellbeing. This page offers guidance for exploring the exhibit thoughtfully and respectfully.

Suggestions

Each photograph is paired with a caption written by the student photographer. We encourage you to pause and read the captions carefully, and allow yourself time to reflect on the experiences being shared. The images capture personal perspectives that may differ from your own or from general assumptions about student life.

Take your time

Consider the Context

The students participating in this exhibit are navigating higher education as migration-affected emerging adults. Their experiences are shaped by a range of social, cultural, and structural factors, including family, social networks, policies in higher education, and the broader political and social climate. As you view the exhibit, try to consider these broader contexts alongside what is depicted in each image.

Read & Reflect

The purpose of this exhibit is to center student voices. While the images may evoke curiosity, surprise, or emotion, we encourage you to approach each story with empathy and openness, rather than judgment.

Consider:

What does this image teach you about the student’s experience?
How might your perspective on immigrant-origin students change after seeing this work?
Are there ways you could support students’ wellbeing in your role as a faculty member, staff, or peer?

Respect Privacy & Agency

All photographs and captions were shared with the consent of the students. Please respect their agency by not sharing images outside of this exhibit without permission. Remember that these narratives are personal reflections, not generalizations about all students or immigrant-origin individuals.

Engage Further

After viewing the exhibit, consider exploring other sections of the website, including:

Themes and insights in What We Learned

This exhibit is meant to spark understanding, dialogue, and reflection. Take your time, read closely, and allow the voices of these students to guide your experience.