Escape the Maze

If you've known me for more than two months, you probably met me as Riki. Today, when I introduce myself, I prefer Rebecca. For about three years now I've been looking for a name. At the beginning, it was as my online name. I was always taught growing up that you never give out real information online, so I searched until I found a name that I thought could suit me. That name lasted about a year or so, before being switched out. I've gone through maybe four names since then, and different variations on them. There was only one that I particularly connected to, and it was actually one that I never ended up using. If you ask any of my close friends, they will tell you nicknames they have for me. I have a dozen friends who each call me different names, and I respond to all of them by second nature. My parents also call me lots of different names, and have for years. When I was born, Riki was the name they chose for me to be known as. Growing up, that's who I was. Unt...

On December 21st, I went into the army. The next three weeks were dedicated to basic training. I had ups and downs, laughs and cries. I made new friends, friends I'm planning on staying in touch with for a long time. I had panic attacks, met with psychologists. I almost passed out, went to the nurse, the doctor, got sent for blood tests. I got yelled at and encouraged, I was tired and energetic. A whirlwind of emotions, senses, experiences, in only three weeks. Each day was excruciatingly slow, each week passing miraculously fast. My commander was one of the nicest people I've ever met, genuinely caring and encouraging, a really sweet woman. I'm keeping her updated on my army service as well, and she truly is interested and wants the best for me. I was with 5 other girls in my room. We really bonded over the three weeks, talking about everything from boys to food to life experiences. We spoke about our commanders, made guesses over what would happen that day, and gushed...