LAPLACE — From the time she was in the fifth or sixth grade, Mia Coleman of LaPlace has wanted a future that involves prepping operating rooms, setting up sterile supplies and assisting doctors during surgical procedures.

Her goal of becoming a surgical technologist is one she’s never wavered from, and she knows it will take hard work, dedication and consistency to make that dream a reality.

“I like helping people that are hurting and trying to make them feel better,” Mia said. “You’ve got to get somewhere in life, and the only way to do it is to go through school. You’ve got to start small to get better.”

Now a junior at St. Charles Catholic High School, Mia is kindhearted, unique, funny and classy. She’s also busy, always on the move.

It’s a tradition that started in elementary school, when her family would run around for softball and basketball games, swim meets, dance classes and soccer lessons.

However, being a Comet helped her discover a new passion for drumline. Mia plays the drums under Friday night lights for home and away football games and other designated events.

Through drumline, she also joins the Starsteppers dance team on the field for halftime shows and occasionally performs during basketball games.

Mia said her instructor, Calvin Berry, and her peers make drumline an unforgettable experience.

“My instructor is inspiring and also funny, and the kids in there like to joke around,” Mia said. “They’re goofy and they’re funny, and they treat you as family when you’re in there.”

As an underclassman, Mia also served as the football team manager, bringing water to the boys and communicating with the first aid director when any of the players were injured.

After school and practice, Mia heads to work at Raising Canes of LaPlace. Before starting her current position over the summer, she previously worked at Sicily’s Pizzeria for more than a year.

Part of her inspiration for working hard comes from her parents, April Labat and Rankin Coleman of LaPlace.

As a single parent her mother has instilled within her the importance of building her own success to lead an easier life without financial struggle. Her father and stepmother, Rankin and Lisa Airhart Coleman, encourage her to follow her passion and attend college.

However, her mother said a lot of Mia’s determination comes from within.

She saw her dedication firsthand more than three years ago, when Mia set a goal to go to St. Charles Catholic and worked as hard as she could to earn scholarship opportunities.

“She’s really motivated,” April said. “She always strives to do the best. She doesn’t settle for something small, even when I’m happy with her As and Bs. She wants all As.”

When a family member jokingly reminded her that ‘Cs get degrees’, Mia quickly responded, “Not in my book!”

In addition to studying hard in school, Mia is working toward her confirmation this year at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. To collect service hours for her school and religious studies, she has volunteered at the St. John Parish Animal Shelter, where she helped clean dogs alongside her mother and older sister.

Her family hopes to return to the Animal Shelter this year to continue volunteering.

Mia has also volunteered with the New Orleans Mission to make sandwiches and feed the local homeless population.

Mia has also volunteered at Twin Oaks Nursing home and assisted with bingo, according to her stepmother.

Lisa Coleman said Mia has always been selfless. She never takes more than what she needs, which became apparent at a young age when she would get excited to have cookies and then only take one, even when offered more.

“Greedy is never a word that can associated with Mia, that’s for sure!” Lisa Coleman said. “Mia is truly one in a million.”

She’s a frequent recipient of affirmation awards, given out by St. Charles Catholic staff members who see a student extend an act of kindness to another.

Outside of school and extracurriculars, Mia enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends and taking care of her pets, which include cats, dogs, gerbils, fish and a snake.

 

(Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correctly list Mia’s family members. L’OBSERVATEUR regrets the error.)