- Twins who are former State wards ready for next chapter

When their mother, who was a foster child, got pregnant at just 13, Crystal and Crystel Thomas were practically born into State care.

The twins, who consider themselves fortunate that they were never separated, say that they learnt early to lean on each other, using their shared struggles as fuel to beat the odds stacked against them. Last Thursday, they were among recipients at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency's (CPFSA) Educational Achievement Awards ceremony.

"I enjoyed the award ceremony because I didn't get that level of recognition during high school and I felt really special to know that our achievements are recognised," Crystal said. "Many people didn't expect us to even finish high school. They judged us and told us that we would end up the same way like our birth mother."

Crystel said being recognised alongside her twin made the moment even more special.

"Me and my sister being awarded at the same time was a good feeling. We struggled together so it was surreal to be awarded together, I'm as proud of her and she is proud of me," she said.

They said the stigma of being raised in State care followed them everywhere.

"A lot of people would think that because we are in State care we nah go do good and them expect we fi drop back or that we did ago get pregnant early," Crystal said. "We never allow that to make us feel belittled and we never lost focus." Along the way, support came from key places that made the journey bearable.

"There are a lot of people around me who doubted me but there were also a lot of people around us that supported us," Crystal told THE STAR. "Our foster family and the CPFSA family gave us the foundation we needed to succeed." Crystel concurred, adding "We had a good support system that made the struggle easier and I am appreciative of them."

That foundation showed in their results. Both girls sat City & Guilds mathematics and English, earning distinctions and merits. Crystal completed eight CSEC subjects, passing all, while Crystel also secured strong passes. Now both are in sixth form, still focused on building the future they once were told they would never have.

"We are still working towards our future," Crystal said. "I want to go to university where I will keep the same mindset because I will achieve what I set out to do. I have been exploring different professions but I know I want to be a habitual entrepreneur. I might also do family law." Crystel has other plans.

"I want to become an accountant so I am definitely working towards a degree in accounting. I applied for Valencia University in Florida and my family started a GoFundMe to assist with that."

Crystal recalled that they sat and talked through their hardships on many nights.

"We made a pact to use our situation as motivation to be better," she said. Her advice to others growing up in similar circumstances is simple but powerful. "Don't listen to naysayers, keep your head high and use your struggles to motivate you and push forward. Education is really your way out and there is a future for you."

Crystel said that competition between them also played a role in their success.

"We pushed each other from primary school because we competed with each other to push each other. When she come first, I come second, and other times I come first and she come second. It got more challenging as we went into high school because we were focused on different subjects and career paths," she said.

Their elder foster sister, Vanessa Mitchell, said watching the twins blossom has been emotional.

"I'm happy for my sisters, they have come a very far away. It never easy but they beat the odds. My mom has had them since they were two years old and they did their best to make her proud," she said.

Adding to the sweetness of the moment, the twins celebrated their 18th birthday the day after the award ceremony - a powerful reminder that despite a difficult start, their journey is only just beginning.