Destination Imagination 2025 Regionals was one for the books. Now, last year’s DI left me a little bit scared for this year, not knowing what would unfold in the next 2 months, but I was very happy with the results. I can’t reveal much, as we do have Provincials coming up on April 12th, but I can bring you through the creative process that led us, The Marine Team, to first place.
Our team started our journey by agreeing on 5 goals as a part of our team contract. Communication was our top priority, as our main goal was to make sure that everyone was on the same page, so we set up a structured team schedule that clearly outlined roles and responsibilities. This helped us stay on the same page, avoid confusion, and make necessary changes to our process as we progressed.
With our foundation set, we entered the ideation phase. We explored countless ideas before deciding on a unique approach that included mermaids to add a fantasy twist while still conveying the moral lesson of our story. We experimented with different versions of the storyline, ensuring that our narrative was both engaging and meaningful. Each team member brought their creativity to the table, and together, we shaped a story that we were all excited to bring to life.
Collaboration was at the heart of our project. Every team member contributed their ideas, and we ensured that every voice was heard before making any final decisions. Our team’s creativity was one of our greatest strengths, and we worked together to transform our ideas into reality. Whether it was refining the script, designing costumes, crafting props, or choreographing dance moves, we all played an active role in making our vision come alive.
As our project took shape, we encountered challenges, particularly with staging our scenes and constructing our set. One major hurdle was figuring out how to make our cardboard set pieces turn properly. To tackle this, we stayed in constant communication, brainstorming solutions together. Our set and costumes took significant effort, as most of our materials were handmade rather than store-bought, requiring extra time and energy. However, our dedication to the creative process helped us push through these obstacles.
At the beginning of our journey, some of us struggled to connect because we weren’t in the groups we originally wanted. However, we put aside our differences and focused on working together. As our script and story developed, so did our bond as a team. By the end, we had grown comfortable with one another and found joy in our collaboration. We each stepped outside of our comfort zones—whether by writing scripts, building props, painting, dancing, or acting. Despite the challenges, we persevered and saw our vision through to completion. The effort and dedication of each team member made this journey truly rewarding.
This journey through Destination Imagination taught us valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. From recognizing and understanding the challenge to collaborating, problem-solving, and celebrating our accomplishments, we’ve grown not just as individuals but as a cohesive team. Last year, my team’s downfall was communicating clearly, and this year’s group has made me realize that it’s a vital part of any project, and it’s become a skill that I’m most proud of. The memories and skills we’ve gained will stay with us long after this experience, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved together. Although we placed first this time, we still have we still have more obstacles ahead as we continue into Provincials, but we hope to sweep the category again.