In four months time, Lucy Barr will be an official member of Tasmania Police.
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The 20-year-old former St Patrick's College student has been training at the state's police academy at Rokeby for the past 13 weeks.
Due to graduate in December, Ms Barr said her time at the academy had been physically and mentally challenging, but she had loved every minute of it.
"Up until now I always worked in hospitality, so I was used to being in a fast-paced environment, and dealing with a diverse range of people," she said.
"I was still really scared at first, I thought I wasn't going to be able to do it. And it's hard, and physically and mentally demanding, but it is very, very rewarding, and everybody is really welcoming and supportive.
For Devonport's Nicole Brown, who graduates in four weeks, the academy has helped her step outside her comfort zone.
"It certainly hasn't been easy, but you always have support, not only from other course members, but course directors," she said.
"I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but the two biggest things that surprised me was how close you become, you start the course as strangers and almost overnight you become a tight-knit family.
"The other thing has been learning how important it is to find a work-life balance, which at times can be difficult with the workload."
In other news:
This weekend, other Tasmanians interested in following in their footsteps will be invited to the academy for a behind the scenes experience.
"I think the open day will provide a really good insight into life at the academy, you can't predict what it will be like until you are here," Ms Brown said.
"Regardless of your background or experience, don't let that stop you from coming along, because everyone has something new and different they can provide.
"The academy really encourages that message that everyone is individual in their own way, but you work together as a team."
Education and Training Commander Rob Blackwood said it was a chance for potential recruits to "give it a try, before they apply".
"If you meet our current entry requirements but want an in depth look at what's involved before you apply, get in touch today to book your spot," he said.
"You'll get the chance to try out our fitness testing, tour the academy, take part in an information session and ask our current recruits and staff members about their experiences.
"It's an excellent opportunity to get some more insight into what's required, both throughout the application process and further down the track if you're successful in becoming a recruit."
The Tasmania Police Academy will host Give it a Try Day on Saturday August 15.
For more information, visit recruitment.police.tas.gov.au