Family ties at TRSM
The first day of school can be tough, but when you have two siblings along for the ride, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Patrice, Andreas and Nicholas Dimopoulos have been taking on the challenges of the first day of school together since they were born. As triplets, it was only natural.
All three siblings are in their second year at TRSM in the Accounting and Finance program, so they’re accustomed to the double-takes and curious questions about attending the same university program with your triplet kin.
“Growing up as triplets, we did almost everything together,” said Patrice. “Up until grade 8, we were always in the same class and we also did similar extra-curricular sports.”
Born and raised in East York, they are the only children in their family.
“Although we all grew up with very similar lives, we are all unique in our own ways,” said Nicholas, the “youngest” of the bunch, with just one minute separating each of them.
Andreas says that although it was never made mandatory that they all attend the same school or enrol in the same program when applying to universities, they took each other's concerns into consideration.
“My first priority was to consider the programs that focused on my interest in business,” said Patrice, “it was also important to me to consider what schools my brothers were leaning towards, as we had spent our entire lives together and attending universities in different cities would be a big change.”
Nicholas says that TRSM and the structure of the School of Accounting and Finance program was the biggest draw for him and his siblings.
“We all decided to come to TRSM because we found that the program offered us substantial time to decide on a major, best suited our learning styles (classroom sizes, teachers) and overall seemed like a welcoming and friendly group to become a part of.”
And they definitely don’t regret the decision, saying that Ryerson has provided them with nothing but positive experiences and created an uplifting environment for every student.
“One aspect of Ryerson that we tremendously value is the fact that the teachers are genuinely interested and have a passion for the subject that they are teaching,” said Nicholas, “it makes the learning process a lot more enjoyable and a bit easier.”
All three have also decided to participate in the co-op program at TRSM.
Andreas says the program gives him an opportunity to network, build connections and improve his portfolio.
“I decided to apply to the co-op program because I felt it would be a great introduction into the professional work environment and allow me to develop and acquire valuable skills that I will be able to carry throughout my life.”
Although they all currently work in the same Shoppers Drug Mart (albeit in different departments), they are prepared to eventually work in different places as part of their co-op. They’ll be attending workshops and co-op events to help them decide where they’d like to work in the coming weeks.
Despite being triplets and spending most of their time together, they all agree that they are unique in their owns ways and are developing new interests and characteristics separate from one another as they get older.
“My brother for example has gotten into photography and continues his passion for hockey,” said Nicholas, “and my sister loves to travel and I have developed an interest for the gym. Although our interests are changing and we are developing our separate personalities; we will always value our built in friendship wherever we go.”