Triplets and their mom show that anything is possible with family by your side

“It’s been an answer to prayer for my husband and me to see how they collaborate with and encourage each other. They’re best friends and seeing that has been a complete joy,” said Wendy Linney about her triplets Antonio, Ashton, and Alexandria, who are GTCC students.

This Thanksgiving, the Linney family has much to celebrate. For triplets Antonio, Ashton, and Alexandria Linney, and their mother, Wendy, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) has become more than just a place to learn – it’s a shared foundation for growth, connection, and support.

The triplets each made the decision to attend GTCC individually, but they shared common goals of saving money and making a smooth transition into college life. Antonio, who is studying criminal justice, explained, “I got accepted into (N.C.) A&T, but I wanted to save money. Everyone always told me community college was a good route to go, and I thought if I could save money before I transfer, it would be a great opportunity.”

Ashton, who hopes to pursue a career in ministry, echoed his brother’s sentiments. “My goal was to complete my basic classes without having to pay university tuition,” he said.

Alexandria added her own perspective, reflecting on how their shared experiences in homeschooling influenced their decision.

“The three of us did homeschool throughout high school, so making sure we had a smooth transition into college was really important to us,” she said. “We’d heard about GTCC in high school and knew it was the route we wanted to take.”

Having each other on campus has had a profound and positive impact on their college experience.

“It’s made it a lot easier because we knew we had each other no matter what,” Ashton said. “As time has gone on and we’ve each made friends, it’s made it even easier because we consider each other’s friends our friends.”

Antonio agreed, recalling how they held each other accountable during their first semester. “If one of us couldn’t make it to class, we’d rely on each other,” he said.

Attending college as a triplet has been comforting and transformative for Alexandria. “It’s kind of crazy how, when you’re transitioning into college, you learn a lot about being independent,” she said. “But when you’re a triplet, you’ve grown up with a whole group of people. It’s helped me personally to strive for new opportunities because I know I have a home base at the end of the day.”

Their involvement in GTCC’s InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has been a highlight of their time on campus. All three siblings are active in leadership roles within the club, which Antonio described as a key part of their college experience.

“It allowed us to make a lot of connections and have fun interactions, especially going on retreats and conferences,” Antonio said.

Alexandria and Antonio serve as small group leaders, while Ashton leads hospitality. These roles have strengthened their friendships and their bond as siblings.

Their mother, Wendy, who works at GTCC’s bookstore, has had a front-row seat to their journey.

“We’ve watched them grow up so close, and it’s been a joy to see that bond continue into college,” she said. “They’ve gained independence but also stayed tightly connected.”

Wendy shared how her presence at GTCC brought comfort to her children when they first started. She noted that, like every mother, she has always wanted her children to have meaningful relationships with each other.

 “It’s been an answer to prayer for my husband and me to see how they collaborate with and encourage each other,” she said. “They’re best friends and seeing that has been a complete joy.”

The triplets agree that their family has been their greatest source of support during college.

“Whenever we’re having hard times with classes, we’re really good at encouraging each other,” Antonio said. “If they feel like they can’t do an assignment, I’ll be there as much as I can.”

Alexandria finds strength in the small, everyday moments they share. “When life gets busy, it can be hard to carve out time to just be together,” she said. “But I’m encouraged by the simple things, like our car rides, grocery runs, and even just seeing each other between classes.”

Ashton said it simply: “Our family is the kind where no matter what we do, we’ll always support each other.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Linney family’s story reminds us of the importance of family in navigating life’s challenges. In a world of constant change, their unwavering bond shows how love and support can turn any experience into an opportunity for growth and connection.