Mia Calabrese, the newest addition to the Summer House cast, quickly won over viewers with her charm, vulnerability, and fierce allyship during Season 10. Introduced as a friend of Ciara Miller, Mia's loyalty to Ciara was put to the test during the intense three-part reunion, where the two women were forced to confront former friend Amanda Batula following news of her romance with West Wilson - Ciara's ex.

"I love that I can just fully be myself, and I'm not needing to play any character," Mia told Us Weekly about entering the reality world. "The only character is me, and to be embraced for being yourself is the coolest thing ever." This sentiment echoes throughout Mia's interview, highlighting her authenticity and willingness to speak her mind.

During the reunion, Mia stood by Ciara's side as they navigated a difficult conversation with their castmates about race and privilege. The discussion was a poignant moment in the season, showcasing the complexities of navigating different backgrounds and experiences within the group. Mia described the conversation as challenging but incredibly important, stating, "It's difficult to have those conversations with your white counterparts or people who don't look like you or who haven't had the same experience in the world as you."

Ciara wasn't the only cast member Mia grew closer with over the course of the season. Both women quickly bonded with fellow newbie KJ Dillard, serving as "big sisters" for the model and skateboarder as he navigated ups and downs in his personal life. The trio connected over their shared experience of joining a predominantly white cast in The Hamptons for a summer. At one point, Mia, KJ, and Ciara had a candid conversation about the unique challenges faced by minorities within the group.

"It's beautiful to see friendships like theirs form," said a fan in an online comment thread. "They're such a great support system for each other." Another viewer added, "I love how they all come from different backgrounds but are able to connect and understand each other's perspectives."

Despite the emotions and drama that filled the reunion, Mia also showcased her fun-loving personality and ability to poke fun at herself. She cited dressing up as Estelle, an "old black woman from the South," for Kyle Cooke's birthday party as one of her favorite moments from the season. When asked if she still has the costume, Mia jokingly replied, "Mind you, I'm not from the South at all, but I just fully leaned into this character. And yes, I still have my costume and 'fake butt' on standby in case Estelle ever wants to make a return."

However, it's clear that the topic that resonates most with viewers is Mia's experience with grief. Following the sudden passing of her mother, Mia confided in Ciara after having a dream about her mom. Later in the summer, Mia and her brother visit a psychic medium, with Ciara by their side, in an emotional moment of connection with their late mother. Mia spoke openly about her grief, stating, "My grief and the sadness that I have of my mom's sudden passing will never leave me. That's something until the day I die, I will be heartbroken over."

Mia's honesty and vulnerability around her grief have struck a chord with fans. One viewer commented, "I can relate to so much of what she's going through. It's amazing to see someone being so open and honest about their pain." Another added, "Her courage to share her story is truly inspiring."

As Season 11 approaches, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Mia and the rest of the Summer House cast. With new faces joining the show, including Carl Radke, Lindsay Hubbard, Jesse Solomon, and Bailey Taylor, there's sure to be plenty of drama and tension. For Mia, however, she's looking forward to a fresh start and a chance to continue building connections with her castmates. "This season, I wanted to come in as light as possible," she told Us Weekly. "I've had so many transitions in my life in the last few years, and I wanted this season to feel like a fresh start for me."