Wanderlust is the desire to travel, and senior Breanna Ward is familiar with the feeling. The combination of playing music and experiencing new places around the world has had a big impact on her life and future plans. The opportunities for her to travel and play music came to her when she joined orchestra in elementary school. She had no idea she would join band years later, and Ward had all kinds of new opportunities brought her way because of band.

“When I see an opportunity, I take it. I like to live in the moment, and when a traveling opportunity comes along, I take it. They are once-in-a-lifetime trips that are worth every every penny,” said Ward.

Over the years, Ward has traveled within the United States to New York, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and Texas. She has also traveled out of the country to England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria and Lichtenstein.

“Traveling has really opened my eyes in terms of how I view the world. Life is so much more than what we see. It has made me respect different cultures even more,” said Ward.

Ward is hoping to have many more opportunities to travel in the future. She wishes to return to Europe and New York City in the future. However, she would like her next musical performance to take place in California. Ward has participated in concerts in five different countries.

“I have been able to enjoy unique opportunities through music and typical tourist events,” said Ward.

One of her favorite places she has been is Venice, Italy. She was only there for a short afternoon trip, but it was the most interesting city she had ever been to.

Ward believes there is more to life than staying in one place, and she enjoys getting to experience different cultures.

“Every trip I take is truly life changing, and the feeling is one of the best,” said Ward. Ward’s favorite memory was when she went to Switzerland right after spending time in London and Paris.

“Switzerland was like a breath of fresh air after the busyness of the city. I remember my group sitting in the grass near a mountain range just relaxing. It was by far the highlight of the trip. There was nothing like the view I had; pictures just do not do it justice,” said Ward.

Ward has not decided what she wants to do after high school, but she will continue to travel and play music.

Story by Lili Seals