Michelle, in her dorm room is surrounded by photos of friends and family, and a poster of Audrie Hepburn from "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Michelle and her boyfriend, James, enjoy a drink with friends at a Boston pub.

Cadet Perez with her parents, during an Army ROTC reception.

Applying eye-liner before a night out.

Applying camo before simulated combat.

Getting tomorrow's schedule at the Fort Devens Army barracks.

Getting ready for a few hours of shut-eye.

The training begins.

Cadets warm up with 50 push-ups.

A much appreciated warm meal is served after a 16 hour-long excercise.

The "combat" resumes the following morning.

Perez calls for a weapon's count at the end of each day.

Leading her platoon back to the base after a physically challenging day.

Perez calls out the platoon moto: "Woof, Woof," and the platoon responds: "What does the big dog eat."

All soldiers are ordered to meticulously clean their weapons at the end of the day.

Sleeping in the bus, on the way to Boston.