Bemidji High School's Mia Hoffmann overcomes adversity as she looks to the future
May 22—As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area. Senior Mia Hoffmann is this year's featured graduate from
Bemidji High School
which will host its commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the Sanford Center.
The Pioneer provided Hoffmann with a series of questions to answer:
What are your plans after graduation?
I will attend North Dakota State University next fall to pursue exercise science while also running on the cross country and track and field teams.
What piqued your interest in exercise science?
I choose to continue my education at NDSU because of its standout academic and athletic programs. My decision to major in exercise science stems from my involvement in athletics, fueling my passion for the mechanics of the human body.
Continuing to run at the collegiate level has always been an aspiration of mine, so I eagerly accepted the opportunity to further my running career.
Have you had a favorite class throughout high school?
My favorite classes were American Sign Language with Katie Wangberg and History with Bob Brink. These teachers have positively shaped my high school experience and their classes never failed to brighten my day.
What activities have you participated in?
I have participated in cross country running, track and field, Nordic skiing, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Link Leaders, Captains Club, Nordic Whitecaps Dragon Boat Team and Calvary Lutheran Church Youth Group.
What's been the greatest struggle or hardship you have overcome in your life?
Hands down the greatest struggle I've had to overcome has been an eating disorder. During my middle school years, I struggled to meet my body's nutritional needs. During this time, my body was so depleted it was not functioning correctly to the point my heart was struggling to keep up.
I was fortunate enough to have parents who advocated for me and got the help I needed even if it meant driving many hours to appointments. Although I was very apprehensive to open up at treatment initially, I became receptive to learning.
The hardest part of my recovery was being told I could no longer do sports, meaning I missed out on my seventh-grade track season. This was devastating to me. Slowly, but surely, my mental and physical well-being was restored. I was elated when given the news I was cleared to run and this motivated me to continue the positive trajectory.
I continued to meet my nutritional needs by eating a hearty breakfast, packing my own lunches and having many snacks — except blueberries because I despise them. Fast forward to now, my heart and body are happy and healthy, and I am fully confident in my ability to continue fueling my body and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Kudos to my amazing family and friends for supporting me through this trying time. If you connect to any part of my struggle, I advise reaching out to a trusted adult, peer or doctor for guidance.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have been blessed with many accomplishments, but if I had to choose a standout it would be earning second place at the Cross Country State Meet this past fall, which was the highest place a Bemidji runner has ever received at the state meet.
This feat means so much to me because it was an accumulation of the hard work put in by myself, coaches, family and friends. Shout out to all those who ran, biked and roller skied with me through the years. My wish is that this redefines what is possible for Bemidji athletics and leaves a positive impact for others.
Who is your greatest mentor?
My greatest mentor is Jesus Christ. I strive to live my life as faithful and selfless as He did. By his example, I learned to spread the word of God, love others and live generously. I am fortunate to know the Lord because of my family who encourages me to deepen my faith each day.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy reading romance novels, biking and roller skiing with my friends, and baking muffins. When time and money allows, I love to travel. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Colorado and the Cayman Islands. At the top of my bucket list right now is exploring the Mediterranean Sea.
