BC professor connects travel experiences to psychology and learning in Spring Colloquium

June 25, 2026 - 21:21

Cassandra Zamorález, a psychology professor at Brazosport College, took the stage at the 2026 Spring Faculty Colloquium to explore the deep connection between travel and the human mind. Her session, titled "Why We Wander: The Psychology of Travel and Culture," examined how stepping into unfamiliar environments can reshape the way people think and learn.

Zamorález argued that travel is more than a leisure activity. It forces individuals out of their cognitive comfort zones, challenging assumptions and building adaptability. She pointed to research showing that exposure to different cultures can increase creativity and improve problem-solving skills. The brain, she explained, thrives on novelty. When people navigate foreign streets, try new foods, or learn a few words of a different language, they are actively rewiring neural pathways.

The presentation also touched on the emotional side of wandering. Zamorález discussed how travel can reduce stress and build resilience, even when things go wrong. Missed flights or language barriers, she said, teach patience and flexibility. These experiences, she noted, are a form of experiential learning that no textbook can fully replicate.

Faculty members in the audience responded with questions about how to bring these ideas into the classroom. Zamorález suggested that even small acts of cultural exploration, like studying abroad or engaging with international students on campus, can have a lasting impact on a student's personal and academic growth. The talk ended with a call to see travel not as an escape, but as a tool for deeper understanding.