Identical twins - Isabella and Gabriella Alberts' shared tradition continues at Rutgers University–Camden where both are studying to become nurses. 

Twin sisters Isabella and Gabriella Albert have lived their whole lives in lockstep with one another.

As babies and toddlers, they ate, played and slept on the same schedule. They’ve been in the same classes together from kindergarten through high school. They compete in the same sport – tennis – and even share a minivan they saved up for together.

This fall, the identical twins’ shared tradition continues at Rutgers University–Camden where both are studying to become nurses – they have the exact same courses and schedule – and are competing on school’s tennis team – as doubles, naturally.

“Me and Gabby make jokes that we are probably going to end up neighbors or live in one of those side-by-side houses,” said Isabella of their post graduate plans.

But first, the pair who’ve shared a bedroom their whole lives will spend one year living separately on campus. 

“We both are sad, but at the same time happy to experience this once,” said Gabby. “It will be a fun journey for sure.” 

The twins are excited to be reunited this with their older sister, Rutgers-Camden sophomore, Grace, who is also a nursing major and member of the tennis team.  

“They knew as soon as I said I was going to Rutgers-Camden, that that’s where they were going,” said Grace. “Whatever I end up doing, they end up doing.”

And Isabella and Gabby would be the first to tell you, they wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We come as a trio,” said Isabella.

“Triple threat,” added Gabby.

Only 15 months apart from her twin sisters, Grace said their closeness and similar interests were never manufactured or pushed by their parents. They just genuinely enjoy each other’s company.   

“It’s not a copycat thing or a competition,” said Gabby.

“It’s like we are a team,” said Isabella, finishing her twin's sentence. “It’s like we are built-in best friends.”

Just as they’ve all supported one another all along, the three from Greenwich, N.J., are looking forward to learning, competing and exploring college together.

Though all three are pursuing nursing degrees at the same school, they are each drawn to different niches in the field. Gabby is considering becoming either a nurse anesthetist or traveling nurse. Bella would love to work with expectant mothers and newborns. And Grace is still exploring her options.

“People find it so interesting that we don’t want to do different things. But I would go on vacation with them or live with them,” said Grace. “I no longer have to drag friends with me places. I know they will come with me.”