Deanne Vagg is one of the lucky HSC graduates who has not been sweating on her HSC result.

“I received an offer from the air force last month which was really great,” Deanne said. “It was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

So is this Queanbeyan High School graduate planning on becoming a pilot?

“No, not at all, I want to be an air force dog handler.”

The Air Force has dog handlers?

“Absolutely,” Deanne laughed. “My goal is to join the air force security team and work with dogs to patrol air force bases and respond to any threats.”

Deanne has long loved animals and has grown up with three dogs – Susie the Chihuahua, a Pomeranian called Stella and the family’s current dog Abira, a Belgium Shephard.

“I used to watch dog-training videos and work out the behavioural aspects and I thought that looks pretty cool. I was looking at having my own dog-training business and then Dad said I could be a trainer in the air force.”

Deanne’s father is in the army and the family moved every couple of years during her schooling.

“My Dad actually suggested the air force because you don’t move around as much as the army,” Deanne said.

Beginning on March 31 next year Deanne will do basic training for nine weeks at Wagga Wagga RAAF Base at Forest Hill, before flying north to Amberley Air Base near Ipswich for 18 months.

“Then I'd be in security for one year before I can apply to be a dog handler.”

Deanne has two younger sisters – one at Queanbeyan High and another still in primary school. If she had to give them advice about the HSC?

"Just look after yourself and prioritise you own mental health. Don’t stress by rewinding assessment or sitting the exam over and over again.”

She was also at pains to say that if graduates don’t get the ATAR they want there are many other ways to go to university.

Now Deanne’s taking a well-earned break and reflecting on her time at public school. She is keen to express her thanks to Queanbeyan High Careers Advisor Yvette Cochrane. “I spent a lot of time in her office,” Deanne said.

She said if others were interested in exploring a career in the military, she started with the ADF careers website where she read up about different services and put in her own application to join.

“It is a big deal serving your country.”