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People always ask me if having a twin and a cousin in class has been challenging, but it's been a blessing in disguise. The support system we've built has been incredible and we've motivated and encouraged each other to reach our full potentialKelsey Jackson | Abertay University | BA (Hons) Criminology
Not content with sharing the same birthday and the same surname, Kelsey and Kaitlyn Jackson are twins who will graduate from Abertay University on the very same day, from the same course.
The twins’ higher education journey began at Dundee and Angus College, where Kelsey pursued a degree in Social Sciences and Kaitlyn studied Childcare Practice. However, fate had other plans.
Kaitlyn decided to switch to join Kelsey in Social Sciences and was joined by her classmate and friend, Jamie Lee, 23, from Poole. In an unexpected twist, the twins discovered that Jamie Lee was a distant cousin from their father’s side.
The trio formed an inseparable bond, which only grew stronger as they decided to apply to Abertay University's Criminology course together. Upon arrival, they created a social bubble that provided mutual support and encouragement during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout their studies, each twin brought their unique strengths to the table, complementing each other's skillsets. When Kelsey faced the added challenge of dyslexia in her third year, her cousin's eagle-eyed proofreading skills became a vital asset, helping to ensure the accuracy and clarity of her assignments.
One of the most amusing aspects of their twinship is that they often get mistaken for one another. Classmates would frequently ask if they remembered discussing a topic earlier, only to realise it was their twin sibling who had already discussed it.
Kelsey said:
What's truly remarkable about Abertay is the community itself. Our lecturers and classmates have been amazing, creating an environment that's warm, welcoming, and inclusive. The friendly faces and approachable nature of everyone on campus make it feel like a second home. For me, that's what makes Abertay stand out – it's not just a place to learn, but a place where you can grow and thrive as a person.
After graduation, the trio is planning a working holiday visa in Australia and Asia, where they will apply the knowledge and skills gained from their Criminology course to make a meaningful impact on the world.
