ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Like father, like son, or in this case, like daughter. On Tuesday, Raymond and Keiosha Hamilton graduated from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College together.
"I think we realized in January. She said 'This is my last semester' and I said, 'It's my last semester too'," Raymond said. "So I guess we'll be graduating a the same time, and I said, 'Yeah, I guess so'."
After two years of working on their respective degrees, the pair are finally walking away with their diplomas. Keiosha graduated from nursing school, and Raymond now has an engineering degree.
While his daughter went to school during the day, Raymond went at night.
Both say it was hard work but they are glad it has come to an end.
"It feels great, I hope I can get some sleep now," Raymond said. "I'm used to being riled up all the time and wondering what's due and where to go next so I'm glad to be done,"Keiosha added.
His daughter was there to help him every step of the way, talking about classes, and even helping him with his homework when needed.
"It's like when I was little and I used to get in trouble... Haha but it's going to be my job to help people for the rest of my life so.."
College president, Dr. Walt Tobin says it is pretty unusual to see a father and daughter graduate together but he hopes the neat circumstances serve as an example for others.
"This shows how people are creating generation wealth by earning a college credential," Tobin said. "That puts those folks on a path to a successful career and a good life for themselves and their families."
With two years of nursing school under her belt, Keiosha hopes to start working at a local hospital sometime soon, and her father is hoping to get promoted at work.
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College says it has night classes, and hybrid courses to help accommodate working people or those going back to school.