Instead of relaxing at the beach for the summer, 21-year-old Rose Yeoman decided she wanted a challenge.

Rose, a newly graduate accountant, has always dreamed of giving back.

'I did consider joining the Army when I was at school, but decided instead to study accountancy and while doing that I learned about becoming a Reservist.”

Rose says the reservist training has taken her out of her comfort zone and has been challenging, both mentally and physically.

'It's pushed me further than I thought and I've been able to do things I didn't think I was capable of.

'It's been challenging and I definitely couldn't have done it without the people around me and the comradeship and encouragement.”

The tasks Rose has had to tackle are far different from crunching numbers at her accounting desk.

'Out in the field it could be a bit miserable. You can be cold, wet and miserable, or just cold and wet – it's your decision.”

Rose emphasises the importance of team work in the army and how the experience has taught her valuable life lessons.

'Your mates get you through the tough times. It's definitely worthwhile and has changed my outlook on life.”

In New Zealand there are around 1700 army reservists who train for the military and have a ‘normal' job, like Rose.