Rhonda and Agnes Musyoka, twins from Kenya, made headlines in the United States for graduating, with a PhD in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University(FAMU).
In an interview with ABC 27, an American broadcaster, the twins shared their excitement for the achievement stating that they had spent countless nights studying to achieve their dreams.
The twins stated that their parents were both Kenyan nationals noting that their father was a businessman while their mother was a nurse.
Further, Rhonda and Agnes revealed that they were the first in their family to attain the level of education.
"It's really exciting. It has been a long time coming. It was many, many late nights. It is really exciting.
“My mom is a nurse and my dad is a businessman and they are both from Kenya. So to become the first doctorate in the family is actually a really big blessing,” the twins stated.
At the same time, they stated that it was a big achievement as they were the first generation of African Americans.
They added that they were happy to be representing other black pharmacists in the United States stating that the feat showed that their parents raised them well.
"Florida is a big pharmacy school area. We are going up against seven pharmacy schools in Florida.
“So just being one of the big minority programs, you get to see a lot of your black pharmacists come out of FAMU. And also just being able to showcase your representation, what you've learned at these places, it means a lot,” Rhonda stated.
FAMU interim provost Allyson Watson lauded the duo for their achievement noting that the institution produced individuals who made a significant mark in the society.
"We are moving the mark on social mobility. We know that our first-generation college students and the 55 per cent of Pell-eligible students that come here as freshmen are now leaving.
"They are impacting their communities because they're usually a first- or second-generation college grad, and they're making monumental strides," Watson stated.
The graduation ceremony of the institution took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
