Which turned out to be a good idea when her entry won.
On Wednesday, July 20 she met with Benalla Travel’s Frank Stephens, who was delighted to hand her a $1000 voucher to spend in store.
Mia said after many years of learning Japanese at FCJ College she thought she would put the money towards a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
“I went to enter the competition the first week, but missed the deadline, so thought I’d go for it the next week, and I’m glad I did,” Mia said.
“It’s a big decision, but I’m pretty keen on Japan.
“I've learnt Japanese throughout my schooling and did VCE last year.”
Mr Stephens, offering some advice, told Mia a popular choice was to do a ski season in Japan, which Mia agreed was an option.
“I think this is fantastic,” Mr Stephens said.
“It’s exciting for us, it’s exiting for Mia, and we love to see young people travelling and getting out experiencing the world.”
Mia is currently working two jobs, at Benalla Health and Stella Stella café at Rambling Rose.
When she heads off to uni she is hoping to study public heath and global studies.
In the meantime she is planning to make the most of her upcoming getaway, hopefully with a few friends.
“I’ve got plenty of friends having a gap year at the moment and they’re all keen to do something before uni,” she said.
Perhaps the trip of a lifetime to Japan will be that something.
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