Jacqueline is part of Shichida Australia history.
Her family enrolled before our very first centre had even opened. She began Shichida at 1 year and 10 months old and continued all the way through to graduating from our PSP (Primary School Program) at age 9.
Today, she is now at University, pursuing her passion for Classics, Language and the Humanities – interests that trace back to her earliest learning years.
Recognised from a Young Age
Jacqueline first gained media attention at just 4–5 years old for memorising and reciting 100 decimal places of Pi.
She was featured in:
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Herald Sun – “As easy as Pi for five-year-old Jacqueline Soon-Legaspi”
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Herald Sun – “Want better grades? Get pushy parents”
These early features highlighted her exceptional memory – but what we saw behind the scenes was something deeper: focus, curiosity, and pure joy in learning.
National Writing Competition Winner
In 2023, while in Year 11, Jacqueline independently entered the Whitlam Institute What Matters? National Writing Competition.
Not through school or a homework assignment, but entirely on her own initiative – just for fun.
Out of 4,991 entries across Australia, Jacqueline was announced as a national winner.
🔗 View the shortlist:
https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters-2023-shortlist
🔗 Read her winning piece, “The Behaviour of Light”:
https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters-2023-shortlisted-entries/2023/7/10/the-behaviour-of-light
Overall Competition Winner, Jacqueline Soon-Legaspi.
What Matters 2023 Shortlist
What Her Parents Observed
Her mum recently reflected:
“We enrolled Jacqueline in Shichida when she was just 1 year and 10 months old, and we continued through until she was 9. Looking back now, it’s clear how much her time with Shichida shaped not just her academic skills, but how she approaches learning and life.”
In the early months, they began noticing subtle but powerful changes:
- She grouped toys by colour, then by size – naturally recognising patterns.
- She began drawing connections between everyday objects without being prompted.
- Her memory strengthened – remembering sequences, poems and multi-step instructions.
- Most importantly, she became proud of her small wins and persisted through challenges.
Her mum shared:
“Shichida didn’t just teach her what to think, but how to think.”
Her Creative Voice Began Early
Jacqueline’s national writing success did not happen suddenly. Her creativity was nurtured throughout her early Shichida journey and the Shichida Primary School Program.
Faraway – Shichida Graduate 2016
In this video, Jacqueline reflects on her journey and shares a poem she composed.
Jacqueline’s Poetic Masterpiece
Written during one of her PSP classes at our former Canterbury centre, this piece showcases the imagination she developed at a young age.
Jacqueline – Beyond Shichida
Jacqueline reflects on what she gained from the program and how it shaped her learning beyond the classroom.
Hear Jacqueline in Her Own Words
Jacqueline also shares her reflections in our Shichida Shining Stars Podcast:
https://www.shichida.com.au/resources/shichida-shining-stars-podcast-ep10/
She recalls:
“The one-word creative writing prompts sparked my passion.”
“Learning about historical figures left a lasting impression on me.”
“My memory strengthened so much – information just sticks.”
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Jacqueline’s academic achievements continued through her senior school years.
She was recognised at the Premier’s VCE Awards, one of Victoria’s highest academic honours, after achieving a perfect study score of 50 in VCE English – an exceptional result awarded to only a small number of students each year.
Her achievement reflects not only academic ability, but also the strong analytical thinking and communication skills she developed over many years.
Alongside her university studies, Jacqueline is now in her second year tutoring VCE English students, helping younger students build confidence and develop strong writing skills.
She has also shown a strong commitment to leadership. Recently, she applied for a leadership position to head the English department at her tuition centre. Although she did not receive the role, she expressed genuine happiness that the position went to a deserving colleague she works closely with – a reflection of her maturity and collaborative spirit.
Where She Is Today
Now in university, Jacqueline continues to excel in the humanities, pursuing studies aligned with her interests in Latin, history and philosophy.
Her journey reflects long-term growth:
- Early cognitive development
- Accelerated academic progression
- National writing recognition
- Academic excellence at VCE level
- Teaching and mentoring younger students
- Independent intellectual curiosity
Jacqueline’s story reminds us that strong foundations do not simply prepare children for school – they prepare them for LIFE!
