Great Minds Think Alike: Twin Graduating Seniors Share Their UAlbany Experience
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 14, 2025) — Kehinde and Taiwo Adejumo, twin UAlbany seniors graduating this weekend, didn't originally plan to go to the same college.
Originally from Rochester, N.Y., the Adejumos changed their minds after attending UAlbany’s Zoom informational meetings, held during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person visits were limited.
“Oddly enough, I always thought we would go to separate colleges. But when we started participating in UAlbany’s Zoom sessions we both felt they were very inviting and welcoming. The presenters who were a mix of faculty and current students provided an abundance of resources that made us want to choose UAlbany as our college,” Kehinde said.
The two, pursuing very different career paths, had similar descriptions of their differences: Kehinde represents the “creative” side of the sisterhood and Taiwo, the “analytical” side of things.
The Creative Side
Kehinde is an English major and creative writing minor in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“There was a creative writing class that I took in high school and loved. I could not put my pencil down and would get upset when the bell rang. That is when I realized that I wanted to be a writer in some way,” she said.
Kehinde credits UAlbany for helping her develop connections with her professors, sharpen her skills and expand her knowledge in writing.
She also has sought opportunities outside of the classroom, including involvement with the UAlbany Arch magazine as a contributing editor and with the Albany Student Press, which she’s written for since her sophomore year. Her focus is on the Arts & Culture section.
“These experiences have been great for me to grow as a writer,” said Kehinde. “After graduating I would love to work at a magazine or in publishing. Outside of the University, I also do freelance work for a magazine called Parle, writing entertainment articles about twice a month.”
The Analytical Side
Taiwo also dove right into her interests on campus. She is in the College of Arts and Sciences as well, majoring in mathematics and minoring in pre-education.
The twins’ father is a math teacher, which helped spark Taiwo’s interest in becoming a high school math teacher.
“I got my math brain from my dad,” said Taiwo. “Ever since I was young, I always enjoyed learning formulas, theorems and even math homework. Growing up, all my teachers told me I have a gift for math, so I knew I had to pursue this field.”
Taiwo is the vice president of UAlbany’s math club, where she sets up study sessions with students. She is also a member of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics’ diversity committee, which is focused on improving the department’s student experience.
“There is tutoring for lower-level math courses already available. But there is not as much for the higher-level courses, as most of the students taking them are math majors or minors,” said Taiwo. “Our club helps to give students a safe space for any math assistance that they need.”
Returning for Graduate Studies
While the Adejumos said they struggled to adapt when first coming to college, they always had each other and have roomed together throughout their time at UAlbany.
“It was a tough start. But luckily, I had my sister and parents’ support to get me through it. I realized why I was here and was able to focus on my education,” Kehinde said.
“I am so proud of Kehinde,” Taiwo said. “She was really having a hard time adapting to these new surroundings. But she persevered and earned a 3.9 GPA in her freshman year. Having each other to lean on has been important for both of us.”
The Adejumos are both in combined bachelor’s and master’s programs and began taking graduate courses as seniors. They will both be returning to UAlbany in the fall to complete their master’s degrees.
“Coming to UAlbany has been a blessing. The faculty and professors really see your potential and want to uplift you,” Taiwo said. “My professors make themselves accessible and provide the resources we need to succeed. I will never regret my decision to come here.”
To view some of Kehinde’s creative work, check out her website.