KZ: Hi Mia! Congratulations on reaching the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City! How did you find out about the competition, and join your team?

M: Thank you! I found out about Destination Imagination at school. We are currently the only school in Australia that offers Destination Imagination as a program. When I found out about it, I did not hesitate to apply! I was automatically put into a team for the Destination Imagination tournament, where we competed against other teams from our school. When we made it to the Global Finals, my team and another team that reached the Global Finals combined to make the brilliant solution that we presented at the Finals!

KZ: Can you explain what your team chose to do for the competition, and how you reached the Finals?

M: For the Finals, my team competed in the Technical Challenge. This challenge required us to build a puzzle consisting of at least ten pieces, create two puzzle solvers that will solve the puzzle using technical methods, create a story that would explain why a puzzle was being made, create a crucial piece of the puzzle that could be recognised by the judges, include two team choice elements that display the teams interests and skills and create a pivotal moment in the story where at least one character’s understanding changes. When fully assembled, our puzzle was a working projector. Our two puzzle solvers where a programmed robot and a claw machine powered by a pulley system and hydraulics.

KZ: How did you feel when you found out the team would be representing Australia at the Finals in the USA?

M: I was so happy to be able to represent my country in something I love so much. I was so excited for the experience ahead. As soon as I heard, I was buzzing with ideas and excitement to be a part of the team.  

KZ: The team placed third in the Team Choice Element section, 12th in the Central Challenge, and 17th overall! How did you feel when you heard this incredible result?

M: I was so proud to have accomplished such an incredible achievement with my fantastic team! I also felt ambitious to keep going with Destination Imagination after such an amazing experience and achievement.

Want to read more of our interview with Mia? Grab the October 2023 'Beast Mode' issue, out now!