United Airlines pilots Jamil and Jalal Paul, twin brothers, made this Father’s Day unforgettable by flying together for the first time in their careers and surprising their father with a special trip. The Houston-based pilots embarked on a flight to New Jersey, followed by an emotional reunion with their father, Gerald Paul, at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Reflecting on the experience, Jalal shared with United Airlines, “As twins, my brother and I have done almost everything together, except fly as co-pilots for United. This day couldn’t have been more perfect!”
Despite their demanding schedules, the Paul brothers rarely find time to visit their hometown of Hackensack, New Jersey, where their father and family reside. This Father’s Day, they seized the opportunity to create lasting memories by inviting their father for breakfast at the airport, which was just the beginning of a day full of surprises.
The brothers had secretly arranged a round-trip ticket for Gerald to join them on their flight from Newark to Miami. Gerald, who had never flown on a commercial aircraft piloted by his sons, was in for a delightful shock. Jamil remarked, “We knew we wanted to visit our dad this weekend. We never would’ve thought we would be able to fly him. Today was such a special day for all of us.”
When Gerald realized he was boarding a flight with his sons as the pilots, he was initially “astounded and confused.” However, once he saw Jamil and Jalal in the cockpit, his confusion turned to overwhelming joy and enthusiasm, describing the experience as a “blessing beyond imagination.”
This particular route to Miami held sentimental value for the family. Jamil and Jalal had taken their first flight on the same route with their father when they were just four years old. The emotional weight of the journey was further deepened by the recent loss of Gerald’s father earlier this year, making the reunion with his sons even more poignant.
“I’m so proud of my sons,” Gerald expressed. “They wanted to fly planes since they were little boys. I’m grateful they are living their dreams.”
This heartwarming Father’s Day reunion at Newark Liberty International Airport showcased not just the professional achievements of Jamil and Jalal Paul but also the deep familial bonds that continue to inspire and uplift them.
At just 21 years old, Theodora Udounwa has achieved what many might consider impossible. Gaining admission to the University of Toronto at 15, she completed her bachelor’s degree in just two years and went on to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree by the age of 21. Her journey is a testament to her exceptional intellect, dedication, and the supportive environment that nurtured her ambitions.
Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, Theodora’s academic prowess became evident early on. She graduated from high school at a notably young age, owing to an early start in kindergarten and skipping a grade due to her outstanding academic performance. At 15, she left her family in Nigeria to pursue higher education in Canada.
Upon her arrival in Canada, Theodora enrolled in the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Science program, specializing in Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology with a minor in Physiology. Her decision to pursue pharmacy was driven by her passion for pharmacology and patient care. “Pharmacy was always the plan. “I had a great interest in pharmacology, but I was also drawn to patient care. I saw pharmacy as a way to connect those theoretical principles with real-world patient care,” she remarked
After completing her bachelor’s degree in just two years, Theodora seamlessly transitioned into the PharmD program at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. She started this program during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented both challenges and unique opportunities. Theodora contributed significantly to the public health response, delivering over 1,600 COVID-19 vaccinations and numerous flu shots at pop-up clinics.
