Published on 04 July 2018
Almost everything about these sisters is identical – except their degrees.
Twins Anastasia and Anna Manentzou are celebrating graduating from the University of Sunderland today.
The 22-year-olds arrived on Wearside three years ago from their home in Cyprus after both applying to study in the city.
The pair were determined to stay together and wanted to find a city university that could accommodate both their study areas; Fine Art for Anastasia and Psychology for Anna.
Now, the pair, watched on by family and friends who have jetted in all the way from their home in Larnaca City, have officially received their degrees and are preparing for a new chapter in their lives.
Anastasia said: “Our older brother, Socrates, had studied at the University so we wanted all the family to stay together.
“It’s been an amazing three years and the city has been perfect for us. We live really close to the centre and have both enjoyed our degrees.”
So do people often get confused over which sister is which?
“Yes, but we’ve had that our whole lives,” said Anna. “Were not actually identical, believe it or not, but everyone thinks that we are.”
Now they have finished their programmes, the twins are waving goodbye to Wearside.
While Anna will be returning to her homeland to study for an MA, Anastasia is not yet sure what her next step will be.
She added: “I will be going home for the holidays but then would like to do something around the psychology of art.”
Anastasia recently won praise for her final year Degree Show which included paintings and sculptures based around an environmental theme.
Whatever the future holds, the girls say they have created many happy memories of their time in Sunderland
Anna added: “It’s been amazing; we’ve loved every minute.”
Graduations ceremonies involving University of Sunderland students are happening all this week and on Monday, 9 July and Tuesday, 10 July at the Stadium of Light.