When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an inventor.

Why did you want to be an inventor?

I was really into Legos. I guess I just liked making things.

What kinds of things did you make with your Legos?

Anything I could think of. I guess, buildings and cars. I guess you’d think I’d want to be an engineer, but that’s not what I’m interested in. (Laughs)

Did you ever go to Lego Land?

I’ve been there a couple times.

Do you still have your old Legos?

I have little brothers, so I gave my Legos to them.

Be honest, though. Do you ever go back to your parents’ house and play with them?

When I go home, I’ll play Legos with my brothers sometimes.

Was there anything that you wanted to be that wasn’t really possible?

I wanted to be an astronaut for a little while.

That’s not impossible. When I was about 4 years old, I wanted to be a tree. Did you ever have that kind of desire?

Well, if there was a thing I wanted to be, it was a bird. But, I think everyone wants to be able to fly.

And, if you were to invent something right now, what would it be?

Like a new thing, or something that’s been invented that I want to take credit for?

Either.

I always thought it would be good to come up with a new mode of transportation. Planes are nice and everything, but they’re still pretty unaffordable. And cars take a long time. So, just a better way to get around.

You should invent a jet pack.

Yes. A jet pack.

If you invent a jet pack, I will buy it.

If I invented a jet pack, I’d be very happy with myself.

—Katie Gault