Jamie Kruijer (Class of 2012) discovered her calling in an unlikely place: a careers truck parked outside her school. That chance encounter led to five years of service as an Army Medic with the Defence Health Organisation (DHO), where she put her talents and passion for helping others to work at bases in Burnham, Linton, and Waiouru from 2013 to 2018.

Q: What made you decide to enlist?

"A New Zealand Defence Force careers truck came to school and this sparked my interest. My best friend Jenny and I signed up for the Burnham army experience camp because that meant we got a week off school. During the camp, I found myself genuinely interested in the environment, sense of purpose, comradeship, and opportunity for personal development. My parents were supportive of the idea, and I was drawn to the opportunity to earn a salary while developing valuable skills and maintaining a high level of fitness. While many people associate the military with warfare, I was attracted to the opportunity to help communities and contribute to disaster relief aid."

Q: What is a significant lesson you learned from your time in the armed forces?

"The military taught me many valuable lessons, but the most significant was resilience. I found that I was capable of more tha

n I thought. During a week long field exercise on recruit course, I pushed through a significant mental and physical barrier and discovered resilience I didn’t know I possessed. That experience gave me confidence in my ability to perform under pressure and overcome challenges. 

Another lesson was the importance of teamwork and that respect is earned through actions. The army core value of comradeship reinforced supporting those around you rather than focusing solely on your own performance. Although I served as a medic, often I was attached to combat units and made an effort to contribute to team tasks outside my role. Whether that meant digging, carrying equipment, or filling sandbags alongside everyone else. Those experiences taught me the value of leading by example and contributing regardless of my role.

After leaving the military seven years ago, I have worked mostly as a ski patroller. The medical training, discipline, punctuality, and resilience that I developed, continue to benefit me everyday, particularly when responding to challenging injuries on the ski field."

Q: What impact did your time at WHS have on your military career?

"Growing up in a town filled with a variety of outdoor activities and having opportunities provided by WHS to challenge myself through sports and incredible school camps, this influenced my decision to enlist in the New Zealand army.  My time at WHS also taught me how to balance priorities. Managing school work alongside competitive sport, prepared me for army medic training which included mandatory university study, graduating with a Bachelors of Health Science in Paramedicine. Looking back, WHS gave me many skills and experiences to succeed in the military."

Q: What did you learn from your time at WHS (that had nothing to do with academics)?

"One of the most significant lessons I learned from my time at WHS was that life rarely unfolds exactly as you expect, and that's okay. During school, I thought my immediate future would revolve around continuing to compete in triathlon. In reality, I haven't competed in a triathlon since leaving school, however I have continued to focus on careers and hobbies that revolve around remaining physically active in the outdoors."

Q: Were there staff or fellow students who taught you important lessons about leadership or service?

"Mr. Quaid was a significant role model during my time at WHS, even though chemistry was never my strongest subject. Outside the classroom, Mr. Quaid was also my karate sensei. Through karate, I learned important lessons about discipline, respect, perseverance, and leadership. His lessons stayed with me and helped prepare me for the challenges and responsibilities I later encountered in the army."

Q: What advice would you give to current WHS students?

"There are endless possibilities after graduating. There is no need to have your entire life mapped out and the path you think you're going down may lead somewhere completely different. I think my teenage self would be proud of the experiences I've had and the person I've become. The military is a fulfilling and unique career choice which I highly recommend if you’re seeking a challenge."

Ngā mihi nui, Army Medic Jamie Kruijer, for your service and for sharing your reflections with our Alumni Community.

Jamie Kruijer, Army Medic, DHO.

Jamie Kruijer in uniform. 

Jamie Kruijer in high school.