From a Shy New Student to College Vice Captain
Sophia, from Hong Kong to Brisbane · Class of 2025
Sophia arrived at John Paul College in 2019 with limited English and few friends, hoping to belong. Then a local classmate walked over and said hello. Seven years later she graduated as a College Vice Captain who played the flute, debated and played hockey, and she went on to The University of Queensland.
- Joined 2019
- Hong Kong → Brisbane
- College Vice Captain
- UQ · PPE
John Paul College · where Sophia's journey began
“For Me, I’m a Bit Shy”
Sophia grew up in Shenzhen and went to primary school in Hong Kong. She was a little shy when she arrived at John Paul College and, like many international students, what she wanted most was to make local friends and feel she belonged.
She joined in 2019, starting in our primary preparation program with one term in Year 6 to learn English and get to know the school. From there she moved into mainstream classes and stayed through secondary school to Year 12.
Joining in was hard at first. “For me, I’m a bit shy,” Sophia says, “so it was difficult to go out and talk with local students.” Over the years she took part in more school activities, and her confidence grew with them.
“As time grew and my confidence grew, I gradually became a member of this community.”
Sophia · on finding her feet at JPC
The Moment Everything Changed
Sophia remembers the day she moved up from the International School into the main school. She was new, her English was still growing, and she knew no one.
“I remember standing awkwardly in the class. But then one local girl and her friend walked up to me, introduced themselves, and made friends with me.”
It was a small gesture, and Sophia explains why it meant so much.
“She didn’t know me, but she still chose to reach out to me when I needed help. That made me feel really welcome into the community.”
For a new student standing awkwardly in class, a welcoming school can come down to one classmate who decides to walk over.
“These small acts of kindness make me feel really connected to the place. It’s a place with love and kindness.”
Sophia · filmed in Year 11 for Study Queensland
Confidence, One Activity at a Time
Sophia tried many co-curricular activities in sport and the performing arts, and she says they are what connected her to the school.
“One thing I really like about John Paul College is its co-curricular program — there are a lot of things to pick from. I think it is one of the key things that made me feel connected to this community.”
Sophia
She played hockey, joined the debating team, played the flute in the Wind Orchestra and the Marching Band, and performed in the school musical. Over those years she became a confident member of her year group.
“I have so many local friends now,” she says, “and I feel I really belong.” Her regret is not starting sooner. She did little in Years 7 to 9, and if she could go back she would “100%” join in more, because “it’s very good to hang out with people that share the same passion as you.”
Hockey
Her team sport at John Paul College.
Flute in the Bands
She played in both the Wind Orchestra and the Marching Band.
The School Musical
On stage, a long way from the quiet new student of 2019.
Debating Team
Practice at building an argument and speaking up in front of others.
Performing Arts at JPC · bands, musical & ensembles
Where a Shared Passion Became Friendship
Music gave Sophia a way into the community she had hoped to join.
In the Wind Orchestra, the Marching Band and rehearsals for the school musical, she was part of a group working toward the same thing. Being shy mattered less when there was a piece to play together.
The College sees the same thing with many international students: joining a co-curricular activity is often the quickest way to make friends and feel at home.
“I gradually became a member of this community — I really belong.”
“It Showed Me What I’m Capable Of”
When Sophia talks about what studying in Queensland gave her, she talks about how it changed her.
“It’s a challenging journey, but I also learned a lot. It really shows myself what I’m capable of — that I can push through my limits and do things I like.” Sophia
Living in a New Culture
“By living in a different culture, it teaches me a lot — including how to interact with people, and how to adapt to the environment.”
Solving Things Herself
“My ability to problem-solve, and to independently deal with things, greatly improved.”
A Different Way of Learning
“Under this learning system, I think it really develops our creativity and independent learning skills.”
Ready for What’s Next
“Queensland is preparing us for the real world and our career.”
Chosen as a JPC Vice Captain
Sophia was chosen as a College Vice Captain. In the role she supported other international students as they moved from the preparation programs into the main school.
How She Led
- Vice Captain A senior College leadership role
- Mentor Supported new international students into the main school
- Role Model Started in the preparation program and finished as a College leader
Her Senior (QCE) Program
- Literature
- Modern History
- Specialist Mathematics
- Mathematical Methods
- Physics
- Chemistry
A demanding mix of humanities, mathematics and science, chosen with the College’s guidance with university in mind.
Sophia’s Film: “I Choose Brisbane”
Filmed for Study Queensland while Sophia was in Year 11. In under two minutes she talks about arriving shy, the classmate who made her feel welcome, and what Queensland taught her.
In this film
- Where she’s fromShenzhen, and primary school in Hong Kong
- Hockey, debating & performing arts“A lot of things to pick from”
- The classmate who said helloThe moment she felt welcome
- What Queensland taught herIndependence, creativity, confidence
Guided, Step by Step, Toward Her Future
In Years 10 to 12, the College helped Sophia choose senior subjects that matched the degree she wanted, so she had a clear plan for university. See how our university pathway planning works
Subject Selection Evenings
Short talks and exhibitions where students and parents meet teachers, ask questions and understand every senior pathway before choosing.
A Dedicated Careers Room
One-to-one appointments that plan a student’s subjects backwards from the degree they are aiming for. Sophia used this guidance to plan her own senior years.
Politics, Philosophy & Economics
Sophia went on to study PPE (Honours) at The University of Queensland.
Her Journey to Confidence
Sophia’s path from a shy first term in 2019 to College Vice Captain and a place at The University of Queensland.
“I have so many local friends now, and I feel I really belong.”
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2019
Arrives from Hong Kong
Joins JPC as a quiet new student, hoping to make local friends and belong.
-
Year 6
Preparation Program
One term learning English, then into mainstream classes at John Paul College.
-
Main School
One Act of Kindness
A local classmate walks over and says hello, and Sophia feels welcome.
-
Growing
Co-Curricular
Hockey, debating, flute in the bands and the school musical. Her confidence grows.
-
Senior
College Vice Captain
Supports new international students as they move into the main school.
-
2025 →
Graduates → UQ
Finishes a demanding QCE program and heads to UQ for PPE (Honours).
Don’t be shy. Try to talk to more people, especially the local students, and take the opportunity to make friends.
Sophia · JPC Vice Captain · Class of 2025
Every JPC Story Starts in the Same Place
Sophia began as a shy new student, like many international students who join us. Read more graduate stories, or start your own journey.