Keeping a memory alive through scholarships

A commitment to nursing lives on through the Mia Katherine Trahan Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship was awarded to Nicole Saltzman Zaunbrecher at the pinning ceremony of the South Louisiana Community College practical nursing class held last week.
Mia, lost her life in January of this year. She was 25.
For Zaunbrecher, the Mia Katherine Trahan Memorial Scholarship provided important assistance in the pursuit of her nursing degree.
“I used this scholarship to become a trained, compassionate and dedicated nurse so that I can use my skills to help those in need. My goal is to become an asset to the nursing community and honor Mia’s memory,” said Zaunbrecher.
Mia’s parents, Jan Trahan and Ken Trahan, say that knowing that Mia’s scholarship is helping someone achieve their dream of becoming a nurse is rewarding for them.
“Nurses, teachers, doctors-they influence people’s lives. And when you offer a helping hand, it’s a love of humanity,” says Jan. Ken adds, “Now the scholarship is Mia’s way of helping others.”
The Trahans hope that the Mia Katherine Trahan’s Memorial Scholarship will help Mia’s legacy to live on. “Mia’s love and kindness to everyone she knew and met is an everlasting blessing to our family,” Jan says. “The scholarship is a way for us to honor Mia and the future she had planned as a registered nurse.
Presenting the scholarship was Gulf Area Campus nursing instructor, Mrs. Franchesca Sterling. Her presentation about Mia is as follows:
God is within her, she will not fail” Psalm 46:5. This scripture had a profound effect on the way Mia lived her life. I’m much honored to present the Mia Katherine Trahan scholarship to a very deserving young woman who has demonstrated the compassion, drive and the true love of nursing as Mia did. I met Mia three years ago, she was a nursing student, here at the Gulf Area Campus and I had the pleasure of teaching her. Mia was bright, witty, dedicated, but most of all, she possessed such passion in her need to care for others, Mia’s true inspiration came from her family...her grandmother, a nurse of 45 years, was Mia’s greatest mentor; her mother, Jan, who loved and supported her beyond measure; her sister Lauren, Mia’s confidant and best friend; Carter Ryan, her nephew/godchild, and her pride and joy; and Coach Scot. But, most of all, her father, Ken. I never had the chance meet him while Mia was in school; but I knew all about him and his love for his daughter. Mia made no decision, no matter how big or small without consulting her dad. She valued and trusted his opinion. Mr. Ken, I want you to know that you meant the world to Mia. She loved you dearly, past her mind, past her heart; she loved you deep within her soul.
Mia was an outstanding nurse, always trying to fix someone. Her need to care and nurture others is what set her apart from her peers. I’ll share with you a story of the length Mia would go for her patients. There was an elderly man in the hospital who was dying. He was scared and didn’t want to die alone. Mia being Mia, thought nothing of it; she climbed into bed with him and held his hand. She would not let him die alone. That in itself tells you a lot about this young lady! Wow!
Mia’s straight to the point attitude is what I loved most about her. She became a friend, co-worker whom I got the chance to mentor, then work with. I could stand here all night and go on and on about what an amazing young woman she was, but truly there are no words to describe such and amazing young lady.
Mia was an asset to the nursing profession. She continued on to pursue a higher degree in nursing. To me ,Mia, you got that degree in my book. Mia’s work ethic was seen and admired by many. It didn’t matter if she was sick, or tired, she was there for her patients.
My dearest Mia, I cannot easily forget the impact you made on my life, for that I know, I have been divinely blessed.
“To all of you let your hope make you glad. Be patient in times of trouble and never stop praying, Romans 12:12.”
The recipient of the amazing scholarship goes to someone who I see a lot of Mia’s qualities in through her nursing skills. She is compassionate motivated and dedicated to serving others. I am very proud to present the Mia Katherine Trahan award to Nicole Zaunbrecher. Make her proud!
Remembering her daughter, Jan said, “Our hearts are forever broken, our beautiful Mia (Kat), an amazing gift from God has been taken from us. We continue to grow in faith and strength through the love of God, family, friends and so many people Mia befriended during her lifetime, who are all now such an important part of our lives and family.”
Her love for God, life and people, made her an amazing, fun-loving, spirited individual, and above all else, a wonderful nurse, said her mother.
“She was very passionate about caring for others, always bringing pride to our family. She is so greatly loved and missed by all.
“Mia is forever in our hearts, leaving us filled with love and wonderful memories, keeping her very close to us, till we see her again.
Her nephew/godchild said, “Nanna Kat is a beautiful angel with a tiara, very long hair with curls and a beautiful long white dress.” He also reminded the family that Nanna Kat is a nurse and she is working for God in heaven.
“Leaving our hearts filled with love and beautiful thoughts of our beautiful Mia.”