KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 11, 2025

A year before they would officially graduate from Kennesaw State University with degrees in psychology, identical twin sisters Analisa and Alyssa Rhymer donned their cap and gowns for an early graduation celebration.

Instead of crossing the stage at KSU’s Convocation Center, the women walked the hallways and into the room of the hospital where their father was spending the last days of his battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“We knew his journey was coming to an end, and he would not be around to see us graduate in 2025, and this was his dream for us,” Analisa said. “We wanted him to know we were going to finish. We walked in and surprised him, and it was one of the few times we’ve ever seen him cry.”

When they officially collect their degrees at the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony, it will be more than an academic milestone for the sisters. It is the fulfillment of a promise they made to their father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

The twins grew up in Arizona before moving to Georgia, where they attended South Gwinnett High School and later enrolled in KSU, joining their older brother who was studying computer science. They studied psychology at the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, because they had a passion for understanding human emotions and behavior.

At KSU, the sisters earned repeated recognition on the Dean’s List, joined the American Student Medical Association, and had membership in honor societies such as Psi Chi and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

During their sophomore year, the family received a devastating blow when their father, Warren Rhymer Jr., a single parent who had raised the twins and their two brothers on his own, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

For the sisters, this meant not only watching their father’s health decline, but also navigating caregiving, demanding coursework and financial challenges. With their father too sick to work his job as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Alyssa, just four minutes older than her sister, considered dropping out of school to work full-time to support her siblings.

“I felt like I had to quit everything and support the family,” she said. “But Analisa reminded me of what Dad would have wanted. She said, ‘Think about what he would say if you gave up now.’ And she was right.”

In caring for their father, the sisters discovered a deep passion for medicine. Their father saw it too, telling them they were destined to be great doctors and urged them to pursue medical school.

To help with finances,  the sisters enrolled in the CNA program through the Community and Professional Education unit at KSU. Their father passed away a day before one of the twins was to take the CNA exam, but nevertheless the sisters leaned on each other and pushed through. And after earning their CNA certifications, they began working at a nursing home on weekends, while completing their full-time studies at KSU. They also volunteered at Regency Southerncare Hospice.

“When I take care of patients, I see my dad in them,” Alyssa said. “I want to give them the emotional support he gave us—kindness, patience, dignity. Being a CNA showed me that medicine is where I’m meant to be.”

The sisters credit KSU professors with providing much needed support and shaping their academic success and confidence. One of those professors is Daniel Niederjohn, associate professor of psychology.

“Both sisters embody excellence and empathy, yet in unique ways,” Niederjohn said. “Analisa bridges psychology with patient care, while Alyssa combines scientific innovation with a deep commitment to service. I’ve truly enjoyed seeing them grow as students and know they will continue to make a meaningful impact beyond KSU.”

After graduation, the twins plan to continue working as CNAs while studying for the MCAT before applying to medical school.

“Before my father had passed, he had told me that I shouldn't give up on my dreams because of his illness,” Alyssa said. “He said nothing should stop you from becoming what you always wanted to be.”

After overcoming caregiving, grief, and financial challenges to complete this chapter of their journey, the sisters hope their story will inspire other Owls facing adversity. 

“Don’t give up,” Analisa said. “Even if it takes years, even if life hits you hard, just keep going. One day, you’ll look back and realize every step was worth it.”

– Story by Christin Senior

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.