Haley and Hannah Menees

University of North Georgia (UNG) students Haley and Hannah Menees are usually mistaken as twins since they are so close in age. Hannah is only 14 months older than Haley.

The assumption is amplified since both women are pursuing degrees in biology at UNG and plan to become doctors. Haley wants to be a gynecological oncologist while Hannah is interested in internal medicine.

The two residents of Cumming, Georgia, also wanted to study abroad together, but not just because they want to see the world. They have bigger plans.

"It's about immersing ourselves in a diverse community," Haley Menees said. "Since there is a significant and growing Hispanic and Latino population in the United States, this experience will not only help me gain linguistic competency as a doctor, but a deeper understanding of their cultural values as well. I want to become a doctor to serve the culturally diverse populations."

The Menees sisters almost got their wish. They expected to spend the summer in Peru after winning the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The program enables students who are eligible for the Pell grant to study or intern abroad for at least three weeks and gain skills critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

Because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the pair declined the Gilman scholarship. Both women plan to reapply in the fall and are determined to study abroad.

The sisters' persistence pays off in other ways. They are co-presidents of the student club Vaping Attention to Prevention (VA2P). The club's mission is to bring awareness to the vaping epidemic among youth and inspire others to be involved with public health.

"Providing exposure to other students can inspire others to follow the same path as well," Haley Menees said.

Hannah hopes her fellow students will follow her and her sister's leadership examples.

"In cultivating your leadership skills, it's important to not be afraid to take the next step," Hannah Menees said. "Start that club, or apply for that scholarship. UNG is fantastic at providing an enriching environment for students to grow and achieve their goals."