In a remarkable display of sibling unity and academic achievement, triplet sisters Maile, Ke’ale, and Makana Young recently graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University, each earning a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communications. The siblings, hailing from Oakland, California, not only pursued the same major but also minored in Interdisciplinary Studies, and took all of the same classes throughout their college journey.
Built-in study buddies and shared motivation
From their earliest days, the Young sisters have experienced nearly every milestone together — the same schools, sports, and social circles. Attending college together ignited what they described as a “healthy, yet supportive, competition,” pushing each other to excel academically. “One of the greatest advantages we’ve had is always having a built-in study buddy: someone to challenge us, hold us accountable, and encourage us to be our best selves,” the sisters shared in a joint statement.
Their bond, they say, fostered not only personal growth but also collective achievement, turning individual successes into family victories. “If she can do it, why not me?” became a recurring mantra among the trio.
Seeking independence — together
Though their academic paths were closely aligned, the triplets made a conscious decision to study abroad in separate countries. This was, they explained, an opportunity to forge independent experiences for the first time. Each sister built friendships and memories that existed solely outside the sibling dynamic — a transformative period that helped them grow as individuals.
Career and life together
After graduation, the sisters are set to begin their professional journeys together as paid social media specialists in their hometown of Oakland. While the future may eventually take them to separate destinations, for now, they are embracing the opportunity to continue their shared path beyond college.
“The fact that we finally get to walk across the stage together is incredibly meaningful,” one sister told local media. The siblings have openly expressed gratitude to their university community and supporters for shaping their journey.
A rare sibling milestone
While it is not unheard of for sets of triplets to attend college together, few have matched the Young sisters’ feat of taking all the same classes and earning identical degrees. Their story stands out as a testament to sibling support, family bonds, and shared ambition — proving that sometimes, the best way to succeed is side by side.
