In this honest and inspiring kōrero, we hear from Aircraftman Briarna Blackmore, who left school early and launched into a bold new path with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. From excelling academically and fast-tracking NCEA levels to deciding that the traditional school route wasn’t for her, Briarna shares the why and how behind making her own way.

💥 We cover:

• Choosing to leave school early and what led to that decision
• Life lessons from juggling work, study, and adult responsibilities at 17
• Applying for the Defence Force—how long it takes and what’s involved
• What basic training really looks like: uniforms, early wake-ups, punishments, and polish
• Being a young woman in a male-dominated field
• How the military teaches life skills, structure, and discipline
• The camaraderie and chaos ...