Sisters Sade and Jade Meeks spend most of their time doing things together, including going to school, being roommates, hanging with friends and going out to eat.
The one thing the fraternal twins did not do together May 9 was graduate from Mississippi University for Women. Both walked the stage at commencement ceremonies at The W, but at different times.
Jade Meeks, a biology major, participated in the 10 a.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology graduates. Sade Meeks, a culinary major, graduated that afternoon at the ceremony for graduates of the College of Education and Human Sciences and College of Business and Professional Studies.
“We found out that we were not graduating together late this semester,” said Jade Meeks. “Initially we planned for a lot of our family members to attend graduation.”
Adjustments had to be made after the two realized that they would be at different ceremonies. “Our parents had to change their plans and let our other relatives know.”
Sade Meeks, who also served as the Student Government Association president, had the opportunity to offer her fellow classmates and her sister words of encouragement at both ceremonies as she took the podium.
“I will encourage them to ignore their fears in order to pursue their goals,” she said prior to graduation. “While graduation may seem scary, it’s just another chapter of our lives. I will encourage everyone to not stay on the first page of this new chapter.”
Jade Meeks said, “I have always seen my sister as a great leader. She has always put her best foot forward and has a spirit of excellence … ”
Both students, who are from Jackson, have enjoyed their time at The W.
In addition to serving as SGA president, Sade Meeks was voted as Miss MUW. She was a member of the Pi Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and served as Miss Alpha Omicron Alpha of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Sade Meeks, who will be moving to Long Beach, Calif., plans to attend California State University, Los Angeles, to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition.
Jade Meeks has always wanted to become a veterinarian. “I originally planned to attend another closer institution because of its veterinary medicine program, but my twin decided to come to The W.
“It was my first time hearing about it (The W). I didn’t want to be far away from my twin so I decided to come to The W as well, and I like how close-knit it is,” she added.
Jade Meeks is a Troubadour social club alum and serves on the SGA Executive Board. She plans to own a summer camp for youth. In the meantime, she plans to attend graduate school and possibly work as a zookeeper.
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