Melissa Williams

The Williams sisters moved into the austere world of the VMI barracks with a rare comfort -- family. When things got tough in the ratline, there was always that piece of home nearby.

But while Melissa plowed through, Sarah, two years older and Melissa's best friend, was miserable.

A few weeks into it, Sarah decided to leave.

"It was comforting to have her here with me, but at the same time nerve-wracking because I was constantly worrying about her," Melissa, 22, said. "I would have at that point rather had her do anything than be so sad and unhappy. I think it is more difficult to leave VMI than it is to stay."

Melissa will graduate VMI with a degree in biology. Along the way she racked up scholarships, served as president of the English society, and made the dean's list.

She hopes to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She has not been accepted yet, but vows to reapply every year until she is.

Melissa has missed her sister at VMI, "but we all have a road to take and I knew she was still right there with me."

Sarah's road led her to the Prince William County School of Practical Nursing, where she just graduated. She'll start boot camp for the Virginia National Guard soon, and then work on a bachelor's degree in nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Melissa was there for Sarah's graduation from Prince William.

"I cried there with my mother and other sister," she said. "Because we all know the trials in this life have nothing to do with the location or the system. It's all on a personal level."