Three Times the Charm

Jacqueline, Justine and Jasmine Young, incoming freshmen at Florida International University, look into the camera and dissolve into giggles. It’s no wonder. Life is good these days for the sisters from Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida. Seventeen-year-old twins Jacqueline and Justine and 14-year-old Jasmine recently secured the top three spots in their senior class at Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida – Jacqueline as valedictorian and Justine and Jasmine as co-salutatorians.

The Young sisters are among an increasing number of high school valedictorians and elite students who have made Florida International University their college of choice.

The sisters, who say a “friendly competition” exists between them, plan to major in chemistry and ultimately pursue careers in medicine.

There’s one more thing they’re sure of.

Says Jasmine, “Now that we’re here, we’re certain that FIU was the right choice.”

FIU is so proud to welcome these ambitious young women to the Golden Panther family that we’re featuring them in an ad campaign to run in The Miami Herald. Recently, we met with Jacqueline, Justine and Jasmine and asked them a few questions about themselves and their future plans. Here is an excerpt of the interview:

Here is a video of the interview:

On graduating the top three in their class:
Jacqueline (17): Our parents were really proud. They were as excited as we were.
Justine (17): We didn’t plan for this to happen. We just worked as hard as we could.
Jasmine (14): We didn’t even know we were 1-2-3. Our friends actually told us first.

On starting college at FIU:
Jacqueline: FIU really appealed to us. The fact that it’s so international played a part in our decision.
Jasmine: Walking around campus, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see every ethnicity.
Justine: We like the fact that FIU is in Miami, too. It’s a great city.

Where they see themselves in 10 years:
Jacqueline, Justine and Jasmine: As practicing medical doctors.

Their dreams:
Justine: I’d like to cure cancer.
Jacqueline: I’m just looking forward to helping those in need.
Jasmine: Our grandmother, who shares so much of her knowledge and wisdom with us, is a diabetic. I’d like to help her and others who need it.

To view the ad, which ran in the July 16th issue of The Miami Herald, please click here to download a PDF file.

You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader from here if needed to view the file.