"I was only given a 10 percent chance of walking, but if I settle for that, then I'll never know," said Gonzalez.
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With her drive and determination, the 22-year-old is making sure it doesn't end there either.
The persistence she puts toward regaining movement in her legs was once used to realize her dream of becoming a firefighter.
After graduating from Central High Mia headed north to battle wildland fires with Cal Fire Butte County.
"It's a purpose and I just like giving back to the community," said Gonzalez.
After two years on the front lines, she was accepted to Fresno city's fire academy.
"And halfway through I had my accident," said Gonzalez.
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Mia was just 20 when her life changed.
While parked at a rest stop on the way to Moro Rock Mia tried to avoid traffic coming around a bend when she fell more than 50 feet off the side of a cliff.
"I used my right hand to feel for my thighs and they were there," said Mia. "I just couldn't feel them so there was just a lot of pain a lot of frustration and a lot of thoughts crossed my mind at the very moment."
CHP flew Mia to Community Regional Medical Center where she learned she had a 10 percent chance if any to walk again.
"Really she could've chosen two paths to be discouraged or not," said Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis.
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Despite her new challenges, Mia graduated from the fire academy top of her class.
As an honorary firefighter, Mia aids the investigation, prevention and training divisions and serves as a youth firesetter intervention specialist.
"Really couldn't ask for a better member of our team," said Chief Donis.
That team is helping her walk again, already a third of the way to their goal set on a GoFundMe page, loved ones are hoping to cover the cost of her training at SCI-FIT that specializes in Spinal Cord Injuries.
"I want to continue to grow and continue to be better, whether that's physically or mentally," said Mia.