New Face at ICHS: Mia Lewis

Casandra Necio '21

Mia Lewis is your average freshman girl. After participating in a few tennis practices, I met Mia and immediately knew I wanted to learn more about her. With excitement to start a new chapter in her life, Mia reflects on why she chose Immaculate Conception as her home for the next four years, and what she is most looking forward to this upcoming school year. To break the awkward tension, I asked some easy icebreaker questions. I tried to find out if she preferred Spotify or Apple music but soon felt awkward as she said she didn't own any music streaming service. I quickly thought of a second icebreaker question, and I immediately asked what her go-to Starbucks/Dunkin order was. Her Dunkin' donuts go-to order is just a regular plain donut, and she stated that she had never been to Starbucks in her life. I audibly gasped as I heard her say this, and I promised to take her next time I see her. A visible grin appeared on her face, signaling that she had gotten more comfortable with me.

Q. Tell me more about yourself. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A.I would say driven because I always want to improve and better myself.

Q. Why did you choose IC?

A. To be honest, I came to Immaculate Conception because I love basketball. I am really serious about basketball, so Coach Z recruited me to be on the team.

Q. What's your favorite thing about being in high school?

A.I have to think about that for a second because, honestly, high school doesn't feel that different from middle school. Maybe like, my parents giving me more freedom, and they gave me a reason to be more responsible because I'm older and in high school now.

Q. How was your first month at IC?

A. It was rough, to be honest, because I wasn't used to going to an all-girl school, let alone a Catholic school in general. I've never been to a school like this before because I came from a public school with boys and girls. The schedule is also very different from my last school. So yeah, it was pretty rough getting used to it, but now that I have made some new friends and joined the tennis team, everything is really good.

Q. If I asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?

A.I believe that they would say understanding because I am always there for them, and I understand their issues. I try to give them the best advice I can.

Q. What extracurricular activities are you interested in?

A.I play tennis and basketball. I am going to try softball. I wanted to try swimming, but it is in the same season as basketball, so I don't think I can.

I reassured her that she had so much time in high school to try everything. I told her a quick story about my experience in joining different activities. My freshman year was when I first participated in track and field, and after participating in Spring Track, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my high school career. I then recalled my sophomore year of high school when I tried the basketball team, and I knew it wasn't for me. Stage crew was also something I tried during my sophomore year, and I felt at home.

Q. What are you passionate about?

A. Like in general? Probably just basketball.

Q. Thinking about college yet? (I definitely did when I was a freshman) Any thoughts about college women basketball programs?

A.I really want to go to Oregon University, but I have to think about the money and stuff like that. I can't really follow any basketball games or programs in general because my parents don't let me have any social media, but I try to watch some clips on youtube or something.

Q. What subject do you enjoy the most and why?

A.I would say, science in general. I like doing labs and doing experiments. I like trying new things.

Q. What are you most looking forward to this year?

A.I would say that I am looking forward to participating in the sports that I've been waiting to play, and in general, experiencing new things in high school.

After my interview with Mia, I have learned so much about her and her background before Immaculate Conception. Mia Lewis is a sweet young girl who has a strong passion for basketball and strives to succeed in that aspect. She is a hard-driven, understanding person that is friendly with everyone. I am thankful to have this opportunity with her and to have made a new friend throughout the process.