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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Rushitha and Ruhitha Chinchalapu, twins from India, both pursuing their master's in business analytics.

As they are in the same graduate program, the sisters reflect on how being twins has contributed to their experience at ����ɫ��ҹ University.  

“Doing this together has been great because we motivate each other, learn collaboratively and grow side by side, while still figuring out our own strengths and paths,” Rushitha Chinchalapu told ����ɫ��ҹ Today.  

Both have had the opportunity to work on analytical projects that have been insightful and rewarding, solidifying their career and academic choices.  

Throughout their graduate program, the pair has acknowledged several professors who have guided and encouraged them to navigate life as international students.  

Outside of classes, Rushitha and Ruhitha Chinchalapu are members of the Kent Indian Association, serving as vice president and director. Together, they plan and organize events, student activities and celebrate Indian traditions on campus.  

Rushitha and Ruhitha Chinchalapu enjoy working closely in the Kent Indian Association. They both mention how joining the association together is special because they get to support, collaborate, and share the responsibility of bringing ideas to life.  

The twins also serve as student managers at Rosie’s Diner through University Culinary Services. While obtaining on-campus jobs can be difficult and come with challenges, Henry Shepard, Rosie’s Diner manager, made the experience effortless. Shepard took time to interview the two and give them an opportunity, after the two struggled with hearing back from other applications. The twins say Shepard has been incredibly supportive and patient, positively impacting their experience at ����ɫ��ҹ.  

As imagined, being a twin comes with its own set of intricacies.  

“Our names are almost the same, just one letter is different, which causes a lot of mix-ups,” Rushitha Chinchalapu said. “Most of the time, nobody can tell who Rushi is and who is Ruhi. Professors sometimes confuse our assignments, friends mix us up at events, and we even get emails meant for the other one.”  

The sisters take it in stride.

“Sometimes people wave at the ‘wrong twin’ or call out the wrong name in class, so now most of the time, they just refer to us as ‘the twins.’ It always leads to funny moments and little chaos,” Ruhitha Chinchalapu added.

Their identities as twins have been an integral part of the sisters’ lives.  

“Being a twin has been a huge source of comfort, motivation and fun,” Ruhitha Chinchalapu said. “We each have our own goals and identity, but having someone who truly gets your journey, especially in a new country, has made our ����ɫ��ҹ experience more joyful and meaningful.”  

Their experience at ����ɫ��ҹ will truly be one to remember, leaving an impact on the twins' lives forever.

“Our ����ɫ��ҹ journey has truly been a ride, full of ups and downs, but always with moments worth cherishing,” Rushitha Chinchalapu said. “From making friends to ending up with amazing roommates who made us feel completely at home, we learned what it means to be independent and manage life on our own.”  

Moving to a university across the globe can be scary, but taking the risk showed courage and strength. The move helped equip the twins with skills and experiences they will use for the rest of their lives.  

“Along the way, we also realized how important it is to be kind, respectful and considerate toward everyone we meet,” Rushitha Chinchalapu said. “Every experience, big or small, has been a lesson and a memory we’ll always carry with us.”  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.