Tia and Jasmin, as soon as not sure, achieved high honors via arduous work and self-discipline instilled by their dad and mom.
Congratulations are nicely deserved for twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss, seniors at Cheyney College, who’re getting ready to graduate as valedictorian and salutatorian, in response to CBS Information.
“It’s kind of surreal,” mentioned Tia Criss, who’s three minutes older than her sister. “We weren’t attempting to realize valedictorian or salutatorian — it simply kind of occurred that manner.”
Jasmin shared the same response, explaining that each had been “shocked” once they discovered they might graduate from Cheyney College, the nation’s oldest HBCU, with high honors.
“We didn’t know we had been high contenders,” she added.
The sisters will graduate on Could 9, with Tia incomes valedictorian and Jasmin because the salutatorian.
Tia and Jasmin Criss thanked their dad and mom for instructing them the ability of self-discipline.
Tia and Jasmin beforehand attended Philadelphia Excessive College for Ladies and say their dad and mom instilled in them the self-discipline to try for excellence.
Whereas they each get pleasure from tennis and badminton, their success is equally rooted in a real kindness that’s straightforward to acknowledge.
“Tia and I weren’t positive of ourselves — weren’t positive we might do it,” Jasmin mentioned. “I used to be joyful they took an opportunity and noticed potential in me.”
College leaders have praised the twins’ achievements.
“That is the product of working arduous,” mentioned Dr. Lakiyah Chambers, Affiliate Dean of College students. “Dedication. Willpower. Perseverance. You see that within the Criss twins. It’s a tremendous story.”
Wanting forward, Tia plans to comply with her mom into the insurance coverage business.
“I just like the analytical and danger evaluation of it,” she mentioned.
Jasmin, however, is drawn to a extra inventive path.
“My dream job could be one thing in advertising and marketing or trend. I do know she’s analytical, I’m extra inventive,” she mentioned.
Their shared journey has been formed by a spirit of supportive competitors.
“Pleasant competitors. We had been at all times joyful for one another,” Jasmin mentioned. “After we came upon it was like ‘Dang, she lastly gained.’”
The sisters additionally carry the reminiscence of their father, Lynn Chriss III, who handed away in March and whom they consider could be pleased with their accomplishments.
What’s subsequent for Tia and Jasmin Criss?
After commencement, each plan to proceed their schooling at West Chester College, the place they are going to start an MBA program within the fall and followers on-line can’t wait to see the sisters reside out their desires.
“Congratulations women job nicely performed to your dad and mom and to you. Wishing you guys a tremendous future,” one supporter penned within the feedback part of Cheyney College after the HBCU reposted the twins’ CBS Information interview on April 29.
“Congratulations women! Pleased with you each. 👏🏾🎊 Cheyney College is my Alma Mater,” one other commented.
Within the feedback part, Tia thanked everybody for his or her messages of help.
“Thanks for the help, everybody! We’re so joyful to convey this recognition dwelling to the first HBCU! Particular due to CBS and our interviewer, Joe Holden. Congrats, Class of 2026!!” she penned.
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