In a remarkable achievement, 23-year-old black triplets, Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice Stephensons, recently made history by graduating together from South University in Montgomery, Alabama, with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. The sisters, inspired by their mother, a seasoned nurse, have not only shared a familial bond but also a commitment to pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

The Stephensons’ journey to becoming nurses started with their shared passion and a desire to continue a family tradition. The triplets mentioned that their mother served as a significant inspiration, igniting their interest in nursing from an early age. They credit their close-knit upbringing for fostering a strong bond that seamlessly translated into their academic pursuits.

Being enrolled in nursing school simultaneously provided the sisters with a unique advantage. Jeanice highlighted the benefits of their triplet connection, stating, “If one person doesn’t know something, you can go to the other, and maybe they’ll explain it a little better.” Jean added, “We motivate each other, help each other, make sure everyone is passing and learning at the same pace.”

The sisters also cherished the fun aspects of their identical looks, often leading to amusing mix-ups and challenges for teachers and students trying to tell them apart. Jeanet shared, “Sometimes we do play tricks on people. We do get confused a lot.”

Despite earning their nursing degrees together, the Stephensons have distinct career paths within the nursing field. Jeanet aspires to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Jean is interested in pediatrics or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Jeanice aims for the Emergency Room (ER). However, they share a common dream of one day working together in the same hospital.

Their graduation on December 7th marked the culmination of a challenging yet rewarding journey, filled with late nights, countless exams, and demanding clinicals. The sisters expressed gratitude for the support they received and the lessons learned, ready to embark on fulfilling careers making a difference in people’s lives.

In a joint Instagram post, they reflected on their journey: “We thank God for all he has done and provided for us because without him, none of this would have been possible. Here’s to resilience, growth, and the limitless possibilities ahead!”

As the Stephenson sisters step into the healthcare profession, their story stands as a testament to the power of familial support, shared dreams, and the triumph of dedication and resilience in the pursuit of education and career goals.

At just 22 years old, Jassma’ray Johnson has emerged as a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry, challenging conventional beauty standards and empowering women of color through her brand, Simply Sámone. A recent Iowa State University graduate, Johnson’s journey from being mocked in fourth grade to the CEO of a fast-growing cosmetics brand is not only inspiring but also a testament to her resilience, innovation, and commitment to social change.

Growing up with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting her eyes, Johnson faced mockery and insecurities during her childhood. Determined to embrace her uniqueness, she took matters into her own hands in fourth grade by creating her lip gloss, inspired by the character Moesha from a 1990s sitcom. This early experience marked the beginning of her love for cosmetics.

Johnson, the first in her family to attend college, faced challenges at Iowa State University, grappling with imposter syndrome and a lack of representation. In 2020, she launched Simply Sámone as a means of reclaiming her identity and providing a voice for those who felt unseen. Running the business from her dorm room, Johnson discovered a newfound love for herself and a passion for entrepreneurship, transcending her earlier struggles.

Simply Sámone goes beyond beauty products; it serves as a platform for social change. Johnson, recognizing the lack of diversity in the beauty industry, is actively working to give Black women a voice and a space. Her commitment is reflected in initiatives such as a $1,000 college scholarship for women of color at her alma mater, Des Moines East High School. Johnson’s dedication to uplifting future generations stems from her own experiences and the need to address the gaps in representation.