Grace Fale, a 17-year-old student from New Zealand, recently got a taste of what life could be like in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Both of her parents have military backgrounds, so the idea of a career in the Defence Force is not new to her. Grace was one of 40 students who attended a week-long camp at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, designed to inspire young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly within the Navy and the marine industry.
The camp, called School to Seas, also aims to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about women in the military and at sea. During the camp, Grace and the other participants engaged in various STEM activities, such as building an underwater robot. They also learned about life on a warship and the different roles available in the Navy.
Grace, who is in her final year of school, found the camp inspiring. She particularly enjoyed learning about survival at sea. Her parents, both former military members and now police officers, have been supportive of her interest in a defence career. They have taught her valuable life skills such as resilience, perseverance, and leadership.
After her experience at the camp, Grace is even more determined to join the Navy. She hopes to become either a Seaman Combat Specialist or a Navy medic, eager to be on the frontline, travel, and make lifelong connections.
