Chester father drives daughters to college classes for four years, helping them avoid significant student debt.

Shellman Washington III played an instrumental role in the educational journeys of his twin daughters, Davay and Da’Veigh, both of whom graduated from Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania, in May. On a routine basis, Washington drove his daughters from their family home in Chester to campus, undertaking two daily round trips that accumulated approximately 8,400 miles over four years—a considerable distance underlining his commitment to their education.

While many families experience the transitional stages of childhood and adolescence, Washington’s daughters were already college students, and he made it his mission to facilitate their academic success. The twins, now 22, chose to commute rather than reside on campus, a decision influenced in part by financial considerations, as living at the university could have significantly increased their student debt load.

Washington, 66, who grew up in Chester, recounted his determination to offer his daughters a better life than his own. Although he has faced challenges throughout his life, including dropping out of college before eventually taking over his father’s auto body shop, Washington found motivation in his daughters. During the pandemic, after attending a virtual open house for Neumann, Da’Veigh inspired her sister to explore college. Ultimately, both sisters enrolled and thrived academically, majoring in business administration.

Their father initially preferred that they attend community college, believing it was a more pragmatic path. However, his attitude shifted as he recognized the opportunities provided by a four-year degree. The twins reluctantly admitted they had initially planned to forego college in favor of immediate employment, but thanks to their father’s support—and the encouragement of faculty members—they persevered.

Their success was bolstered by financial aid, including Pell Grants and state assistance, which helped keep their debt around ,000 each—substantially lower than the average student debt in Pennsylvania, which stands at about ,672. Neumann University, which caters to a predominantly first-generation college student demographic, offered a supportive environment, with its president noting that more than half of its 1,800 undergraduates commute.

Washington’s unwavering support continued throughout their college experience. He successfully navigated the challenges of maintaining their financial aid with the help of key staff members at the university, such as financial aid counselor Marty Krupiak. The twins expressed gratitude for the support they received from Washington and their professors, who provided assistance and understanding throughout their academic challenges.

On graduation day, the twins celebrated a significant milestone, becoming the first in their family to earn college degrees. Their achievement not only reflects their personal growth but sets a precedent for their younger relatives as well. As they look forward to the next chapter of their lives, including job hunting and further establishing their independence, they plan to honor their father’s role in their success, with one twin considering a special dinner involving his favorite dish on Father’s Day—a gesture of appreciation for his sacrifices and support.

In summary, the Washington family’s story illustrates the multifaceted challenges of higher education, particularly for commuter students, while also shedding light on the critical importance of familial support in navigating those challenges. This narrative echoes broader themes of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education, emphasizing the need for continued conversation about access and affordability in the modern educational landscape.

The twins’ graduation marks not just an individual success, but a family triumph, encapsulating aspirations and realities faced by many first-generation college students across the nation.