“The airplane ride, the different culture, the interesting food, it really gives you a sense of the world.” Lian Wardrop, eyes shining, described why she loves traveling so much. “Traveling isn’t stressful at all, because the excitement of going to a different country is so strong.”

Having been to over 6 countries, she has been touched with the traveling bug. When Wardrop was a baby, she was adopted from China and came to live in America. At the age of 15, she went back to her hometown to reflect on the life she could have had if she had not been adopted.

“In China, everything looks so different from America. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited so far,” said Wardrop.

Wardrop explained how she and her mother travel to different countries to visit unique cultures and learn from what they observe there.

“Everyone in China is so connected to their families, there is a real sense of community there,” Wardrop said.

According to the website Flyertalk, the average person only visits about 2 countries in their lifetime. Wardrop, age 17, has already visited over 6! She has been to Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, China, Canada, and Austria. Each country she has been to has given her a new point of view on life, but she’s still not done traveling!

“I want to go to Peru for Peace Jam and volunteer to see how other people live and to make me thankful for what I have,” Wardrop said, but she is worried about the dangers that come with traveling to Peru.

When she is not traveling the world, Wardrop enjoys being apart of Peace Jam and National Honors Society, both of which include volunteering and trying to make the world a better place. Wardrop’s family enjoys traveling and said, “We like to experience new things and see beautiful places.”