On the 10th May 2015, aged 19, I officially joined The Royal Navy. Since then, being in the military has provided me with a stable and structured career, not only financially but also the chance to gain lifelong skills and training that will stay with me long into the future.

On completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 training held at HMS RALEIGH, I began my shore based draft as a Writer based at HMS DRAKE where I was able to complete my Workplace Taskbook enabling me to go to sea.  I have recently joined my first ship – HMS OCEAN, The Fleet Flagship of The Royal Navy.
 
My time spent at West Buckland School has helped me develop into a passionate and competitive netball player.  Therefore I knew I had to attend the weekend of Royal Navy Netball Trials in September 2015 held at HMS NELSON in Portsmouth. 

After 2 days of intense fitness tests, match play and deliberation, I was called in to the selection panel consisting of three highly experienced Netball Coaches, where I was given the good news that I had been successful in making the final cut; also highlighting that I was the youngest player to be selected into the squad.


The next upcoming challenge for the Navy Netball Team was the Inter-Services Competition held every March involving the Navy, Army and the RAF who all take their turn hosting this event at various military bases around the country. After months of vigorous training and preparation the Navy Netball Squad won the 2016 Inter-Services Competition for the first time in 23 years.


To continue an outstanding year for Navy Netball we went on a two week Tour to Fiji. Whilst we were out there, we had the opportunity to play against various standards of Fijian Teams – including our toughest game against the Fijian Army where we narrowly lost but I say that we were still acclimatising and suffering from jet lag. 

As part of our schedule, out of training hours, we visited local schools and orphanages to help coach and interact with the younger and disadvantaged children; this was an experience I will never forget.


What seemed like a very daunting prospect joining The Royal Navy, has turned out to be the best decision I have made and would highly recommend it as a career choice.