Double the joy as twins graduate university together

From the moment they were born, twin sisters Jhenelle and Shenelle Robinson have done almost everything together. So when a failed course almost derailed their goal of graduating side by side, they were determined to overcome the setback.

Reflecting on their journey, the twins told THE STAR that three years ago, while at Manchester High School, they consulted each other about their futures, and jointly decided to pursue bachelor of science degrees in psychology at The University of the West Indies, despite having different inspirations.

"I love helping people, especially children, it gives me a sense of satisfaction," Jhenelle said. For Shenelle it was all about the brain.

"I've always been interested in how the brain works and just seeing how the environment that we live and operate in contributes to our choices and the outcome of our actions," Shenelle said. They also told THE STAR that journeying through university was incredibly beneficial, because they approached everything together and saw success not only as an individual goal, but a mutual one.

"The best part of going to university with my sister is knowing I always have someone to rely on," Shenelle said. "We're in the same classes, so if I couldn't go to one, she would attend and I could get the notes," Shenelle added. Jhenell said that studying alongside her twin enhanced their learning experience.

"Having a twin really helped because if Shenelle doesn't get a concept and I understand it, or vice versa, we can help each other, which is great especially during exam periods when the pressure is on."

Last Friday, the twins made history in their family by becoming first-generation university graduates and had the incredible opportunity to walk across the stage to collect their degrees. It was a moment they had worked tirelessly to achieve despite facing an obstacle that nearly derailed their plans.

"It was a dream come through, I got goose pimples walking across the stage because a lot of people don't know the struggles of university. So walking across that stage for me was a testimony," Shenelle said. She revealed that that she had initially failed a course that was typically only offered in the January semester, meaning she would have to wait until January 2025 to retake it. However, fortunately, the course was offered during the summer semester this year, allowing her to resit and pass which meant she could graduate alongside her sister, a moment that was incredibly important to Jhenell.

"It was truly a blessing because the idea of graduating without her really brought sadness to me. So, the Lord really worked a miracle and to have her walk in front of me was a proud very moment. It was something that we were both dreaming of, so I'm really grateful to God that he really turned it around for us," Jhenell said.