When she was just four years old, Wing Commander Sarah-Jane Leech looked up at Haley's Comet as it flew across the night sky and knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.
It wasn't going to be easy. Wing Commander Leech knew there would be challenges in becoming a pilot in the Air Force, but she worked her way through them to her position now as the Commanding Officer of 34 Squadron.
Wing Commander Leech said she was undaunted by being one of the only women in the role and has made it her mission to help make a path for others.
"No matter where we come from, or who we are, we all have the ability to make a difference. I hope that my story can inspire other women to pursue their dreams in aviation," she said.
Wing Commander Leech brought like-minded women with her to Canberra girls' school, Merici College, to participate in a panel discussion and engage with students thinking about aviation careers.
Representing the Squadron were: logistics officer Flight Lieutenant Verity Smith; engineering officer Flight Lieutenant Tamara West; network technician Sergeant Georgia Hannah; crew attendant Corporal Letisha Duveck-Smith; and security forces member Leading Aircraftwoman Briana Stevenson. Each had a unique story to share about what they love about their roles in the Air Force and how they got there.
Merici College organised the visit to support girls in Years 7 to 12 who are interested in exploring career opportunities in aviation, with many in the audience well on their way to achieving their goals.
Facilitating the panel was Laura Davidson, Merici College Captain and accomplished Air Force Cadet, who is aiming to be a fast jet pilot one day. She is already in the recruitment pipeline with ADF Careers.
'The important thing is there is no single path to follow. Do what you love and apply yourself.'
Ms Davidson said the students valued the chance to hear from women currently serving in these roles.
"We have students still working out the subjects they'll focus on here at Merici College, so it was great they could ask questions and gain valuable insights into these exciting careers," Ms Davidson said.
The students had a range of questions for the women on the panel - everything from what to study to whether you can still see your family during training.
While mathematics and science subjects were common across many of the careers represented, Wing Commander Leech warned the girls not to dismiss humanities if they want to lead a team one day.
"I focused my studies on science and maths but, in hindsight, I wished I'd also pursued something like a business or arts degree," Wing Commander Leech said.
"Engineers and pilots mostly think in black and white. An arts degree helps you think and problem solve in the grey, which is an important skill in leadership roles.
"The important thing is there is no single path to follow. Do what you love and apply yourself."
The team from 34 Squadron promised to visit Merici College again, well before the return of Haley's Comet in 2061.
Find out more about Air Force careers here.
