Twin brothers graduate with same degree after studying side by side
Twin brothers who studied the same degree course, achieved the same result and even lived in neighbouring rooms have graduated together from Keele University.
Adrian and Ainsley Dondo, from Bradford, collected their Biomedical Science degrees after four years studying side by side.
The brothers said sharing the experience helped them stay motivated through assignments and exams, while also giving them a unique support network throughout university.
"People are often surprised by just how similar our university journeys have been," Ainsley said.
"Studying the same course was a natural decision for us. Throughout school and college, we both enjoyed many of the same subjects, particularly the sciences, so we were always drawn towards Biomedical Science.
"It wasn't so much that one of us influenced the other - we both shared the same interests and ambitions, which naturally led us to the same degree.
"From growing up together in Bradford, to choosing the same Biomedical Science course at Keele, achieving the same degree classification and now graduating on the same day, it feels surreal.
"Looking back, it's incredible to see how closely our paths have mirrored each other."
Born just one minute apart, the brothers, aged 22, said they chose Keele because of its reputation for Biomedical Science and quickly discovered there were benefits to tackling university life together.
When coursework deadlines approached or exam season arrived, they revised side by side, testing each other's knowledge and helping one another stay focused.
"Studying alongside each other made the whole experience feel much less daunting," Adrian said.
"We always had someone to bounce ideas off, revise with and support one another, which made preparing for exams far less stressful.
"If one of us wasn't feeling up to attending a lecture or starting coursework, the other would give that extra push to stay on track."
He added that the brothers often developed a friendly rivalry, making small bets over who would achieve the higher marks.
"More often than not we ended up with the same, or very similar, grades, which always made us laugh," Adrian said.
However, their time at university was not without challenges.
During his first two years, Ainsley experienced personal circumstances that affected his studies, but said having his brother nearby helped him rebuild his confidence and continue towards graduation.
"Going through university together gave us confidence while encouraging us to become more independent," he said.
"We also had to make a conscious effort to build our own identities rather than always being seen as 'the twins'.
"Watching each other navigate the highs and lows of university, supporting one another through exams and coursework, and celebrating every achievement along the way has made the experience incredibly rewarding."
Away from their studies, the brothers lived in neighbouring rooms in university accommodation and both joined Keele's basketball team, having played the sport while growing up.
They said the friendships they made and the sense of community on campus were among their strongest memories of university life.
Following graduation, Adrian and Ainsley hope to continue working side by side by gaining laboratory experience before completing the training needed to become HCPC-registered biomedical scientists.
The pair are due to begin internships on a Biomedical Science programme in Milton Keynes, where they hope to further develop their scientific knowledge and laboratory skills.
"We've always had similar career aspirations, and we’re excited to continue this journey together," Adrian said.
"We're both passionate about healthcare and laboratory science and studying Biomedical Science has allowed us to explore those interests while preparing us for careers in the field."
