Trio embrace second sisterhood, create community at UC

A person might be lucky to have just one of these attributes. To have all three traits would be exceptional indeed.

But multiplied by three? Then you get Brianna, Brittany and Brooke Jones.

The identical triplet sisters came to the University of Cincinnati as part of the Darwin T. Turner Scholarship program and are starting their third year of study. They embraced the university and Cincinnati soon after arriving from their native Cleveland.

Brianna is majoring in communications, while Brooke is a public relations major, and Brittany is a marketing major.

They are all active across the campus: the trio is part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), a historically Black sorority which counts Vice President Kamala Harris among its most famous members.

All three sisters have an interest in professional modeling and acting and at some point they were active in theater. 

The triplets have appeared in air purifier commercials for SharkNinja, while Brooke modeled for Sephora cosmetic products.

“Although we don’t often discuss it, we’ve been acting since the age of five,” explains Brooke. “We began our journey in local theater productions in Twinsburg, Ohio, performing in shows like 'Annie' and 'Peter Pan.' Our passion for theater continued throughout our school years. In high school, we started transitioning into television and film acting, as well as modeling.”

Brooke says pursuing acting and modeling full time is a dream she’s actively working toward while also continuing her college education. 

While the sisters spend plenty of time together, they also give each other space. Brianna and Brooke roomed together last year but they rarely saw each other during the day because of different class schedules and commitments.

“Yes, we are sisters and we are triplets, but we have our individuality,” says Brianna. “Growing up that was something we didn’t really get all the time. In college that’s something we ensured that we are going to be individuals. I have things that I am doing that are different from what my sisters are doing.”

The trio say they wouldn’t trade their UC experience for anything and offer some thoughts for incoming students.

Brooke says first-year students shouldn’t be anxious about meeting new people and that relationships can take time. She started as a pre-nursing major and found it wasn’t for her and is now in public relations and enjoying her work. Everything falls into place in time, she adds.

“You’re probably not going to find your people or friend group as soon as you get to college,” explains Brooke. “The people you meet right when you get there, probably won’t be around in the spring semester. You might not like your major right when you get to college, and that’s OK. It’s a learning experience. I didn’t know what I wanted to do officially until my sophomore year.”

Brittany says getting involved on campus really helped her find her “Bearcat family.”

“I wish someone had told me to be patient with myself,” says Brittany. “Going from high school into college is such a transition with academics and the amount of work you are given. You won’t have your schedule all mapped out right away. It takes time learning a new curriculum.”

And Brianna says new students should consider stepping out of their comfort zone by networking and connecting with organizations that relate to their area of study.

“It helps with making friends and meeting people that have the same or similar career goals,” explains Brianna.

“I know it all seems scary at first, but you will grow to love Cincinnati and all it has to offer. I was in that same place two years ago and now I couldn't see myself going anywhere else. My time at UC has been nothing but amazing.” 

Featured top image of Brooke, Brianna and Brittany Jones. Photo/Ife Joy Osh Photography