The Sansom sisters’ shared journey at Massey

How wonderful it is for twins to navigate the journey of higher education and then cap it off by graduating side by side from their beloved university! This was the story of the Sansom sisters, Bianca and Gabriela, at Massey University. Their experience went far beyond academics; it was a significant phase that shaped their professional lives and strengthened their sibling connection. Walking across the stage to receive their Master of Science degrees, they fulfilled a dream that harmonised with their mutual goals and the meaningful relationships they formed at Massey, creating memories to cherish forever.

Embarking on the Massey adventure

Growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, the sisters felt an undeniable pull toward Massey. The decision to attend Massey was not merely an individual choice but a shared one. The close bond between the sisters influenced their decision to study at the same university.

“I always looked at Massey University as a place to study,” Bianca says. She found inspiration at Long Bay College and a passion for science that eventually led her back to Massey after a competitive surfing stint in Australia. Gabriela adds, “I loved the idea of having a university located slightly outside the city but not too far away from home.” 

Their shared passion for science became the familiar melody that guided their academic choices at Massey. Bianca delved into Biological Sciences with a major in Molecular Biosciences. Reflecting on her choice, she says, “Massey allowed me to learn about different scientific fields, refining my passion for Molecular Biosciences.” 

Gabriela opted for a double major in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, propelled by her innate curiosity for the intricate world of science. “The first year allowed me to explore different sciences, and after that, I knew Chemistry was my focus,” Gabriela shares. 

The Sansom sisters’ journey was marked not only by academic milestones but also by the profound connections they cultivated with lecturers and peers. They found a home where questions were welcomed, challenges were faced collectively, and triumphs were celebrated together.

 “Smaller classes provided an atmosphere where lecturers were readily available, and I felt really supported by staff throughout the learning process,” Bianca shares. “The Chemistry department at Massey has been very supportive,” Gabriela adds. 

Navigating challenges as one

The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, disrupting the harmonious flow of their academic journey. Bianca reflects, “Covid was a tough time for my studies, especially with lab access restrictions. I had to adapt and learn how to become time-efficient.” The unexpected hurdles prompted resilience, adaptability, and a new cadence of learning.

Gabriela faced a unique challenge in balancing her passion for surfing with the demands of scientific inquiry. “Balancing my passion for surfing and science was challenging, but I realised they complement each other,” she shares. 

Simultaneous graduation: a culmination of dreams

The dream of graduating side by side materialised a dream that had faced disruption due to the unexpected circumstances of the pandemic. Standing together on graduation day, the Sansom sisters became the first in their generation to complete Master’s degrees, making the moment extraordinary and deeply significant.

Bianca shares, “Simultaneously completing a Bachelor and Master of Science alongside my sister was huge. Graduating together, the first in our generation with Masters, was a dream we hadn’t imagined.” Gabriela adds, “After the disruption of COVID, our Master’s graduation felt extra special. It was something we’d looked forward to for a very long time.”

The familial ties and the unique bond between twins fortified their Massey experience. Their parents witnessed individual accomplishments and a shared familial achievement. 

A lifelong connection

As they stand at the crossroads of the future, Bianca and Gabriela are ready for new adventures. Bianca sets her sights on gaining industry experience, whereas Gabriela has chosen to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) to educate the next generation as a Chemistry and Science teacher.

Through their shared Massey journey, the Sansom sisters inspire others to find academic success and enduring connections. “Being able to graduate with my sibling from the same university simultaneously is a shared achievement that goes beyond degrees,” Gabriela says.