Top job: Liverpool local area command's Constable Natali Stojceski. Picture: Luke Fuda
SIX years ago Liverpool local area command constable Natali Stojceski had to turn down an offer that was her life-long dream.
"I know it's so cliche but I've wanted to be a cop for as long as I can remember," she said.
"I was first accepted in 2003 but my parents said no. I guess my parents were a bit concerned that females in policing would be a dangerous job."
It took five years of working in finance until she called it quits.
"That was just a job to me and I didn't want to be restrained in an office environment," she said.
So she took another chance and had a crack at scoring her dream job.
"Once I got accepted again I told my parents, and there wasn't much they could say to me at that stage because they saw that I was determined to get what I wanted," she said.
"I left Macedonia when I was 15 and saw that the military saved a lot of lives. I guess that really influenced my decision to join the police force."
The 28-year-old, who grew up in Liverpool, has been commended by Superintendent Ray King for being a consistent performer.
"Ultimately I would like to get into homicide detective work," Constable Stojceski said.
"I want to investigate complex cases and get a result which will give the family closure.
"I'm so much happier now. I love what I do. I know I have to do the long hours before I reach my ultimate goal, but it's worth it."