SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Twin sisters crossed the graduation stage at Florida International University, Monday, in honor of their late father, whose business they now run.
Tiffany and Eileen Gomez were raised by their single father after their mother passed away when they were just 4 years old. They spent time with him running Vito’s Bakery, in Virginia Gardens, as they grew up and went to FIU.
But when their father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, his health became a priority. Eileen didn’t walk at her own graduation in 2013 because she didn’t want to leave her father’s side.
“Today was significant for me, not only for my father, for myself, but I was walking for my sister because she was not able to walk in her graduation,” Tiffany said.
When their father died in 2014, Tiffany decided to never give up on her dream or her promise to her father to complete her degree.
“She struggled a lot to be able to finish because of, you know, having to work, and dealing with my father’s passing, so I’m really proud that she was able to do it,” Eileen said.
The twins not only continued their education, they also became bakers and business owners.
Now, they begin their days in the kitchen of Vito’s Bakery, preparing pastelitos, tostadas and empanadas.
But balancing the books and their family business was no easy task.
“If you go through anything hard, just push through,” said Eileen. “It doesn’t mean that you have to graduate at the same time as everybody else, as long as you finish, then you’re good.”
“It’s not about how long it takes for you to reach your goals,” Tiffany said, “It’s about achieving them.”
Eileen and Tiffany both graduated with degrees in psychology.
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