HOUSTON – (April 22, 2019) – In each of the past five years, Brandon Martin, Rice University’s manager of videography, has chronicled some entering freshmen through their time on campus for his series of “Unconventional Students” videos. As part of this year's series, Martin has featured the Houston-based Tohme triplets, who will graduate May 11. While graduation is emotional for everyone, the Tohmes’ parents will witness all three of their children graduate at once.

The Tohmes didn't expect they would all get into Rice. When they did, Alberto, Anthony and Serena considered themselves fortunate to be able to attend the same school and still have their own individual experiences.

“I think it’s incredible that we came to Rice as a package, then branched out at the beginning to find ourselves, and then came back together at the end,” Alberto said. “It’s been a crazy journey, but I think we’ve all learned a lot about ourselves and each other.”

The Tohme triplets entered Rice with interests and curiosity and are leaving with developed passions and career paths.

Anthony, a political science and history major who plans to pursue a career in law, will attend law school in the fall.

Alberto, a political science and philosophy major, will also attend law school in the fall and is interested in working in government.

Serena, a psychology major, will attend graduate school to study public health in the fall.

Graduating from Rice is a special time for every senior, but for the Tohme triplets it also marks the first time they will live apart.

“The next step will be intimidating, because we will likely be on our own for the first time, but we’ll still always be able to call each other,” Anthony said. “Even though we won’t be in the same city, we’ll still have the same bond we’ve always had.”

“Walking out of the Sallyport (Lovett Hall’s grand archway) on graduation is going to be so emotional for so many reasons, but seeing our parents is going to be the reason I cry,” Serena said.

“Everything we did, we did to make them proud and I hope that we accomplished that,” Alberto said.