St James College Vice Captain Mia Jonker has achieved a rare distinction, early entry offers from two prestigious university programs: International Relations and Business at Bond University, and International Relations and Commerce at the Australian National University in Canberra.

For Mia, who spent her childhood in Shanghai before moving to Brisbane, the offers mark the next step in a lifelong passion for diplomacy and global engagement.

“Growing up in China, I was immersed in a culture that values diplomacy and global engagement,” Mia said. “Many of my friends come from diplomatic families, and their conversations about international affairs sparked my interest from a young age. Witnessing the complexities of global politics firsthand, I realised that our world is interconnected more than ever. Issues like climate change, economic disparities, and human rights violations require skilled diplomats who can navigate these challenges and foster cooperation among nations.”

Mia’s teacher, Ms Tate Williams, said Mia’s achievement reflects both her intellect and character.

“Mia is a strong and personable leader who combines intellectual rigour with genuine care for others. In English, Study of Religion, and Debating, she consistently demonstrates maturity, resilience, and an ability to think critically and creatively. She leads by example, earning the respect of both peers and staff. Others often comment on her calm confidence, her collaborative spirit, and her ability to inspire those around her.”

Williams added that gaining multiple early offers from highly regarded universities is “quite rare,” even as early entry programs become more common in Australia.

“It demonstrates not only Mia’s academic strength, but also her ability to stand out in a very competitive field,” Williams said.

As Vice-Captain, Mia has led with empathy and diplomacy — skills she believes are vital in the world of international relations.

“Serving as Vice Captain has shown me that leadership is less about giving directions and more about listening and uniting people,” Mia said.

“Having grown up in Shanghai for 15 years before moving to Brisbane, I’ve experienced both Northern and Southern Hemisphere schooling cultures. That perspective has taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, and the importance of finding common ground between people with different backgrounds.”

Mia’s success reflects St James College’s global learning environment, where students are encouraged to think critically, engage meaningfully with world issues, and pursue pathways that make a difference.

“Ultimately, I aspire to make a meaningful impact in the realm of global politics,” Mia said. “I believe that by becoming a diplomat, I can help bridge divides and promote peace and understanding among nations.”