Being selected from over 40 applicants, the James Sheahan Catholic High School student got to experience a week in the air force at the RAAF Base at East Sale in Victoria between March 7 and 10.

The camp was open to young women aged between 16 and 24, giving them an insight of what a future career in the RAAF would be like.

Paris and the other participants from across NSW, Victoria and Queensland undertook a range of activities, from flying in aircraft and simulators, physical training and leadership challenges.

Four days at the base was all it took for Paris to confirm her suspicion her future is both in the skies and a RAAF uniform.

“I wanted to come on flight camp to find out more about RAAF aviation but also to find out about the opportunities women have in the air force,” Paris said.

“I hope to go to the Australian Defence Force Academy after graduating from school and once finished become an Air Combat Officer or Joint Battlefield Airspace Controller.”

The experience provided Paris with more than just a series of simulations and a basic understanding of the day-to-day running of an air force base.

It also gave the Borenore resident opportunities to meet with serving members of the RAAF and Defence Force recruitment specialists.

“This camp has been one of the amazing weeks of my life,” Paris said.

“Through the inspirational RAAF women I have met I can now truly say women in the air force are defying gravity.”

As far as Paris can see, there’s only one minor obstacle standing in the way of her dream career.

“I'm terrible with needles,” she confessed.

“But I'm gifted at STEM subjects and have inherited a passion for flying off my dad.

“I know I can use my strengths to make a difference and the way to do this is through the opportunities presented by the RAAF.”

The camp was part of the Air Force Work Experience Program.

Further information about the program can be found at www.defence.gov.au/WorkExperience/Default.asp.