All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) 329

My name is Deahna Frank. I'm 17 years old, and I was born and raised in Hawera. Until I was 9, I lived with my Mum, Dad and older brother, who is now 20. My parents divorced and I stayed with my mum. A couple of years later, Mum's partner and his son moved in with us. My brother later went to live with Dad, who remarried last year. My Dad has two step children, so going from a regular family of 4, to having an extended family made a huge change in my life. This is a picture of me with my Dad and Stepmum.

I started school at Hawera Primary School, went on to Hawera Intermediate, and High School. In the 4th form, I moved to New Plymouth Girls High School, and I loved making so many cool new friends. It was pretty hard to start with my new school was over three times bigger than the old one but I soon settled in, and was there for two years. Eventually though, I went back to Hawera High School. This next picture is me with my friends.

Last year, I started going hard out with my athletics, training twice a day for a total of three hours a day. After three weeks training, I managed to come fourth in the triple jump at the North Island Secondary School Championships.

I play as many sports as I can, but I haven't joined any teams this year, because I had a job, and couldn't make the practices. I play Touch, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, and well anything else that's going.

I danced for ten years, and considered going into dance teaching, but I couldn't see myself doing it right now I guess I can still think about it later. I decided to try out for the Army because I love sports, and I want to become a personal trainer, and I thought the Army would give me the opportunity to help me achieve this.

I don't remember exactly when I applied to join the Army, sometime earlier this year (2004). Suddenly it all fell into place, and now I'm off to Waiouru. I'll be writing each week about my experiences during the 12 week recruit course, so check back to see how I'm doing.

Week One of  the 12 Week Recruiting Course.