When the Sanders family, of Springfield, gathers to celebrate LLCC Commencement in May, they will have triple the celebrations.
That’s because triplets Haleigh, Miranda and Chloe will walk across the stage the same day to receive their degrees.
The sisters didn’t intentionally choose the same college, but staying close to home was a priority — as was making a smart financial choice.
“We all decided at about the same time,” says Chloe, her sisters nodding in agreement. “I had heard Lincoln Land Community College was a great college, so I was excited to come here,” says Miranda.
Haleigh, the oldest by one minute, knew she wanted to study elementary education and become a third-grade teacher. In May, she’ll graduate with her associate of arts, one part of her journey, complete. “My mom, who works in childcare, was my biggest inspiration,” says Haleigh. “I’ve learned so much from her, and I enjoy helping others, which is why I want to be a teacher.”
Miranda, the second oldest by two minutes, chose to study digital art. This spring she won best 3-D design in the Student Art Show for her piece titled, "Connectivity." “Winning that award drove home, for me, that this is where I belong. I made the right choice,” she says. “I have learned so much in two years, 3-D art, photography, digital design and coding, and my professors have been so great.” Miranda will graduate with her associate of applied science in integrated media design and hopes to become an art professor someday.
Chloe, the youngest of the three, came to LLCC undecided but, after heart-to-heart talks with her family and sister, also decided teaching was her calling. She will graduate with an associate of arts and plans to become an elementary school teacher.
The girls agree their LLCC experience has been top-of-the-line, especially when it comes to personalized attention from the instructors and staff.
“Our education professor is so supportive,” says Chloe. “I enjoy being able to observe other classrooms to really understand elementary education.”
“I can’t say enough about Kellee Phillips, the student care coordinator,” says Haleigh. “She always has a smile on her face and is happy to see you. It really is like catching up with an old friend.”
If you see them walking in A. Lincoln Commons, you might do a double or triple take. But as fraternal triplets, there are no “Hollywood-like” storylines of pretending to be one another to ace a test or score a better grade.
But they do turn heads.
“On the first day of class, when we introduce ourselves, we always say that we are triplets,” explains Chloe and Haleigh. “Everyone turns to look at us, and they have so many questions. We could spend the entire class answering everyone’s questions,” they laugh.
“My teachers never believe me when I tell them I’m a triplet,” says Miranda. “I had to take my sisters to class to show everyone,” she smiles.
As they prepare to turn their tassels and take their next steps, the Sanders sisters are grateful for the memories they’ve made — together — at LLCC. “It’s been special to go through this chapter of life side by side,” says Miranda. “We’ve grown individually, but we’ve also been each other’s biggest supporters.” With diplomas in hand and bright futures ahead, Haleigh, Miranda and Chloe are ready to leave their mark on the world — three times over.