Three Siblings, Twelve Degrees, One Shared Journey at Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: May 19, 2026

For the Mitchell siblings, college was never just an individual journey. It became a shared experience built on perseverance, sacrifice, and support for one another every step of the way.

On May 15, siblings Makayla, David, and Maranda Mitchell graduated together from Crafton Hills College with a combined 12 associate degrees before transferring to California State University, San Bernardino in the fall.

Makayla Mitchell, the oldest sibling, is graduating with seven degrees in Math, Computer Science, History, Sociology, Economics, Spanish, and Business after spending six years at Crafton. Her younger brother, David, is graduating with four degrees in History, Sociology, Spanish, and Anthropology. Their younger sister, Maranda — who is only 10-and-a-half months younger than David — will graduate with a degree in Math.

“We were not originally planning on all going to Crafton at the same time,” Makayla said. “But it ended up being one of the best experiences for all of us.”

The siblings each began college immediately after high school. Makayla started in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when all classes were online. David followed in 2023, and Maranda enrolled in 2024 after considering attending a four-year university directly out of high school.

For Makayla, the transition into college during the pandemic shaped much of her educational journey. As a Math and Computer Science major, she faced challenges when many required courses eventually shifted back to in-person instruction while she still felt more comfortable remaining online. Determined to stay full-time and continue progressing toward her goals, she expanded her studies into additional majors.

At the same time, the family faced transportation and financial challenges that influenced their college decisions. None of the siblings had driver’s licenses for much of their time at Crafton, making nearby and affordable options especially important.

“I actually just got my driver’s license in January,” Makayla said. “It has been a little scary but very exciting. I’ll be able to drive all of us to Cal State San Bernardino in the fall.”

David recently earned his permit and purchased his first truck, another milestone in the family’s journey toward transfer.

The Mitchell siblings say one of the greatest parts of attending Crafton Hills College together was the opportunity to support one another academically and emotionally.

Makayla and David completed four Spanish classes together while pursuing their degrees.

“It was great having each other as support, especially in classes learning a whole different language,” Makayla said. “When I didn’t catch something in class, he helped me and vice versa.”

They credit Professor Kozanova and Professor Schmidt for helping them succeed in Spanish courses despite entering with no prior knowledge of the language.

David said the experience not only helped him gain confidence but also inspired a new academic focus in Latin American history.

Meanwhile, Makayla and Maranda shared a math course together, while David and Maranda completed English courses side-by-side. Whether discussing homework, exchanging essay ideas, or simply encouraging each other during difficult moments, the siblings say having family nearby made the college experience less intimidating.

“Crafton is such a wonderful school and has been very welcoming to all of us,” Makayla said.

The siblings also formed lasting friendships with classmates and found a sense of community on campus. For Makayla, attending college together created opportunities she never had while growing up because of the age difference between her and her younger siblings.

“It was great finally being able to experience school together,” she said.

This fall, all three siblings will continue their educational journeys at California State University, San Bernardino. Makayla plans to study Computer Science and Business with a focus on Accounting or Human Resources Management. David will pursue History, and Maranda plans to continue studying Math.

Makayla currently works as an HR attendant and hopes to eventually become either a college professor or an HR professional. David and Maranda are both considering careers as high school teachers or college professors.

As they prepare for their next chapter, the siblings say the experience taught them the value of leaning on one another and communicating openly about schedules, professors, and academic goals.

For families considering attending college together, the Mitchells encourage students to collaborate closely and support one another throughout the process.

“Knowing that we had each other as support made all the difference,” Makayla said. “We were there for each other at home and on campus.”