Suffolk County Community College is a school that hosts students of all kinds.
Some students come from different paths and are united through our community, while others come from the same path in life, like siblings. Compass News caught up with two pairs of siblings who shared what attending Suffolk together was like.
Molly and Morgan Giordano
Molly and Morgan Giordano are both 19-year-old general studies majors from Sayville who are twins. The twins have been attending classes together since middle school.
“We planned on going to Suffolk first to save money. When we transfer, we’ll probably go to the same school,” Molly said. “I guess it just started to work out because we could help each other, so it’s a little easier,” she said.
The twins help each other with their classes and deadlines and proofread each other’s work. “We help each other stay on track,” Morgan said. “If I forget a homework assignment, Molly will tell me when it’s due,” she said.
Because the twins take the same classes together, they drive around in the same car. “You would think that would be difficult, but I think since our schedules are the same, it works out a lot better,” Molly said.
The siblings get remarks from students and professors about them being twins. The professors don’t usually confuse them; however, “on the first day of classes, every professor said something about us being twins,” Morgan said.
They’ve also been stopped by two people who commented on them being twins this semester. “It does happen pretty often, but we’re used to it now,” Molly said.
Despite being twins, Molly and Morgan have different interests. Molly has a clothing business, while Morgan does videography and photography, taking photos for Molly’s business. “We complement each other well, and we’re both in creative fields,” Molly said. “I can help her, and she can help me.”
Manny and Katlyn Melgar
Katlyn Melgar is an 18-year-old general studies major from Ronkonkoma attending Suffolk with her older brother, José Melgar, who goes by his nickname “Manny.” Manny Melgar is a 23-year-old business administration major.
Manny is five years older than Katlyn, so they didn’t attend high school together. “Now that we’re actually in the same school, it feels crazy,” Katlyn said, feeling that she can talk about homework, friends, and “pretty much anything” to Manny now that they attend school together.
One problem the siblings face is that people mistake them for a couple. “It literally grosses me out,” Katlyn said. The two consistently refer to each other as “sis” and “bro.” “We need to make the point clear,” she said.
“I think it’s because we’re together all the time, and he drives me to school,” Katlyn said, sharing how people don’t think they look alike, which leads to the assumption they are dating.
The right circumstances led the two to attend Suffolk together. Manny returned to school and continued his education when Katlyn graduated high school.
“I think going to school together brought us closer,” Katlyn said. “We definitely talk more and spend more time together.”
“It’s a good bonding experience,” Manny said. “I never expected to be in the same school as my sister, so it’s pretty fun. It’s good to know her better.”
“It’s interesting,” Katlyn said. “Having the same classes, teachers, friends. Like, it’s all crazy.” She never thought she would attend the same school as her brother.
Thanks to attending the same school as Manny, Katlyn feels like she always has someone to guide her. “I feel like I have someone to ignore my guidance,” Manny said in a snarky reply.
Manny and Katyln’s lives differ, as Manny worked consistently as a maintenance worker while Katlyn was in high school. “We didn’t have that much in common,” Katlyn said. “But now we have the same problems, the same issues,” Manny said.
“We were pretty much living our own lives before we went to Suffolk,” Manny said. “Now we see each other and talk to each other almost every day.”
