Moving Photos Of People Who Followed In Their Parent’s Footsteps

Parents are some of our biggest supporters and the people we first look up to. While they'll always be our heroes in some way, shape, or form, some people have taken this one step further and decided to follow their parent's footsteps both literally and in their career paths.

These are some beautiful photos that show that the past and present really aren't so different after all—especially if it's kept all in the family. I think it's probably pretty safe to say that these people have their career paths running in their blood.

Three Generations Of Firefighters

firefighters through the ages
Photo Credit: primal-chaos / Reddit
Photo Credit: primal-chaos / Reddit

This incredible photo of a grandfather, a father, and a son just shows how firefighting knowledge has grown and changed over the years. The son is probably pretty happy he didn't have to wear those yellow pants though.

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Walking In His Father's Footsteps... And Cruiser Tracks

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police officer dad and child
Photo Credit: BWEST / Reddit
Photo Credit: BWEST / Reddit
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Once this kid got behind the wheel of dad's sheriff car he was probably immediately hooked. He's got the need for speed in his veins since this moment... but obviously not going a hair over the speed limit, otherwise, dad will probably have something to say.

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"When you graduate from medical school, if your family member is a physician, they get to "hood" you. This is my dad during and after hooding me"

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dad and son hugging and graduating
Photo Credit: bella_12 / Reddit
Photo Credit: bella_12 / Reddit
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This would be such a proud moment for any father. To get the opportunity to hood your son after he's worked so hard to go through medical school would really be an honor.

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They Followed Their Grandparent's Footsteps By Going To The Same Places

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photo of natural landscape
Photo Credit: stellafin5 / Reddit
Photo Credit: stellafin5 / Reddit
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It's beautiful to see that the landscape hasn't changed too much since their grandparents were there. This is so touching and special and really takes the whole "following in their footsteps" thing literally.

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"My military dad and I, and my son and I"

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military dads and babies sitting in chair
Photo Credit: dde0485 / Reddit
Photo Credit: dde0485 / Reddit
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This is such an adorable moment caught between two fathers and their children. It probably wasn't too hard to recreate the baby reaching upwards since the dad's head is the only thing it could probably see. Where'd his body go...? I can't see anything except for the chair.

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The Delta Flight Piloted By A Mother-Daughter Team

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mother and daughter hanging out in pilot cockpit
Photo Credit: _njhiker / Reddit
Photo Credit: _njhiker / Reddit
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I would feel so safe on a flight with these two amazing ladies in the sky. I trust them wholeheartedly because if they can survive years of living together then they can work together with ease.

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Son And Father Both In The Airforce At The Same Age With The Same Job

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brother in airforce and kid
Photo Credit: TheCoolerBeans / Reddit
Photo Credit: TheCoolerBeans / Reddit
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I bet his father was so proud of his son who followed in his footsteps so perfectly. These photos are so similar that when his mother wants to show people her son, she's going to hesitate between which wallet-sized photo is his in her wallet?

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These Photos Are Taken Over 20 Years Apart, But This Mother And Daughter Duo Could Be On The Same Cheerleading Team

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cheerleaders 20 years apart
Photo Credit: @P_Cilly / Twitter
Photo Credit: @P_Cilly / Twitter
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Both of these stunning women look like they're absolutely killing the cheerleading game. Maybe her mom even lets her daughter borrow her pom-poms if she can't find hers that night.

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She Started Riding After Losing Her Father Two Years Before

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girl and father in front of bike
Photo Credit: jlynnem / Reddit
Photo Credit: jlynnem / Reddit
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This is an incredible tribute to the memory of her father. These two would probably have so much fun sharing knowledge, tools, and know-how as they maintain and ride their bikes.

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"My father was a DJ his whole life. I follow in his footsteps"

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both father and son are djs
Photo Credit: jonasspira / Reddit
Photo Credit: jonasspira / Reddit
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You could say that this guy has got playing and spinning music in his blood. It doesn't look like much has changed in the way of a DJ's setup throughout the years, besides the amount of Ariana Grande they're probably playing.

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Father In Law Enforcement For 40+ Years Gets To See Daughter Graduate From Academy

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father and daughter in law enforcement
Photo Credit: Spudly2319 / Reddit
Photo Credit: Spudly2319 / Reddit
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This is so cute, especially because they both look so pleased with each other. You can tell this proud dad is trying his hardest not to crack a grin looking at her, but I can definitely see one coming on.

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Like Q-Tip Spilling Mother, Like Q-Tip Spilling Son

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q tips on the floor
Photo Credit: tache_noire / Reddit
Photo Credit: tache_noire / Reddit
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It's not always the career paths of our parents that we're inspired by—sometimes it's their clumsiness and chaotic energy. At least he knows what side of the family he gets his messiness from.

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The Father And Son Ski Team

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two skiers sliding down mountains
Photo Credit: keemotheoropy / Reddit
Photo Credit: keemotheoropy / Reddit
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These skiiers are fast, furious, and ready to slide down those mountains with ease and dexterity. Even though these photos are taken 30 years apart, I bet they always challenge each other to races.

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The Private Congratulated By Sergent Father At Ranger Graduation

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father congradulating son who's graduating academy
Photo Credit: 305FUN / Reddit
Photo Credit: 305FUN / Reddit
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This would be an incredibly proud moment for any parent as well as a really intense one for any kid. Imagine trying not to tear up as your dad congratulates you onstage for all your hard work—that would take a lot of effort.

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"My sister teaches at the same Charleston West Virginia high school I went to. Here she is, following in our parent's protestive footsteps."

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woman standing in front of school
Photo Credit: Imgur
Photo Credit: Imgur
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This rebellious teacher is here to not let anyone tell her where and when to be quiet. She's going to whisper in the library even when it says "no talking" because she's just that much of a punk-rock inspiration.

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Her Mother Was A Seamstress And So Is She

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mom and grandma sewing together
Photo Credit: nomar383 / Reddit
Photo Credit: nomar383 / Reddit
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Sewing is a special thing that your mother probably taught you growing up, so it's really cool to see her follow in her mom's footsteps using a skill she taught her right from the beginning.

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Bindi Irwin Following In Father's Footsteps

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Bindi irwin and meercats
Photo Credit: GallowBoob / Reddit
Photo Credit: GallowBoob / Reddit
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We were all heartbroken at the loss of Steve Irwin, but it's good to see that his daughter has taken on and continued his conservation and wildlife protection efforts. You go Bindi!

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They Did The Same Yosemite Falls Hike As Their Father 30 Years Before

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yosemite park hike parents are doing
Photo Credit: Ktmilla419 / Reddit
Photo Credit: Ktmilla419 / Reddit
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Again, it's wonderful to see that this beautiful park is still just as gorgeous now as it was many years ago. Maybe their kids will follow the same trail their parents did and get to see the same breathtaking sight. Hopefully, they pack trail mix though.

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Just Before His Retirement, This Military Father Recreated This Photo Taken 30 Years Prior

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military man and son
Photo Credit: avghomeowner / Reddit
Photo Credit: avghomeowner / Reddit
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These are adorable and hilarious because you can clearly see the dad smiling through the pain of his kid sitting on his knee. That little army onesie probably doesn't fit anymore.

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Mom Recently Retired And Started Following Her Mother's Artistic Footsteps—This Is Her First Painting

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painting of sunset orange and black
Photo Credit: Riemann_Solution / Reddit
Photo Credit: Riemann_Solution / Reddit
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It's great to see that this mom is using her retirement as an opportunity to grow her skills in an area she's probably considered doing all her life but never really had the time to pursue. It's a beauty painting too and I'm sure her mother would love to see it.

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"Mother and daughter crime-fighting duo in New Zealand"

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crime fighting mother and daughter
Photo Credit: unknown_human / Reddit
Photo Credit: unknown_human / Reddit
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Getting booked by these two would be nothing short of an experience. You better not swear, or else the mom is going to tell you to watch your language around her child. That part of parenting really never gets old.

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"My armless dad playing football in high school (1972) and me following in his footsteps 36 years later (2008)"

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football kicker in highschool dad and son
Photo Credit: Kicker36 / Reddit
Photo Credit: Kicker36 / Reddit
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It's so cool that his dad worked hard to be the kicker and this kid got the opportunity to be one as well. This is a really inspirational photo and based on sheer epicness alone I'm sure they won both games.

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The Father-Daughter Pilot Duo

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father and daughter pilots in plane
Photo Credit: ASK003 / Reddit
Photo Credit: ASK003 / Reddit
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These two adorable people even kept the little lion over the years too! The stuffed animal and the dad both look the same, so I'm really curious about what kinds of altitude skin products they're using.

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The Son Who Always Knew He'd Be A Policeman Like Dad

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father and son hanging out in cars
Photo Credit: mrmemefirst / Reddit
Photo Credit: mrmemefirst / Reddit
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This kid definitely predicted this one 20 years ago. Hopefully, he's racked up a few bad guys and criminals and he's found a car of his own so he doesn't have to sit on his dad's lap.

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"My 5 year old wanted to follow in her big sister's footsteps and is helping Wigs for kids with 12 inches of hair"

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girl standing with ponytail of hair
Photo Credit: castaneda / Reddit
Photo Credit: castaneda / Reddit
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This little girl is already so kind and caring so she's definitely got big things in her future. This is what having a good role model in your life can do, whether it comes from a parent or a big sister.

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Son Finally Gets To Fight Fires Alongside Father

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firefighter is hozing off a car
Photo Credit: thatloosekid / Reddit
Photo Credit: thatloosekid / Reddit
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This son finally got the opportunity to fight the blazes alongside his dad and that's pretty amazing. These two heroes are keeping the streets and our homes safe and we couldn't be more thankful for that. Hopefully, his dad doesn't nitpick him about how clean his neon stripes are though.

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Following In Pilot Father's Footsteps 30 Years Later

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pilot son and father in front of plane
Photo Credit: isawesome / Reddit
Photo Credit: isawesome / Reddit
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This photo is the real-life Top Gun and their lives deserve to be made into a feature film of that capacity. Just imagine how good it would be watching a son follow in his father's pilot footsteps. Somebody call Tom Cruise, please.

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Grandmother, Mother, And Daughter At University Graduations

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university graduations
Photo Credit: GreenCristina / Reddit
Photo Credit: GreenCristina / Reddit
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These scholarly and supportive women are bringing some joy to my day. Watching your kid walk across the stage is a huge proud-parent moment, and I'm glad they're getting to repeat that.

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Son Went To Spot In Taiwan Right Where His Father Was 40 Years Before

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man posing in front of building in taiwan
Photo Credit: ShaveWithSteve / Reddit
Photo Credit: ShaveWithSteve / Reddit
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Hopefully, his dad gave him some travel tips and a few must-eat spots that his son should go to while he's there. If they're really any good they would last the 40 years in between, so that's a pretty safe bet.

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The Baby We Can Definitely See Following Father's Footsteps

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baby with a little basketball
Photo Credit: Shroomantha / Reddit
Photo Credit: Shroomantha / Reddit
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I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that this father plays basketball and this kid might grow up for a little bit of affinity for the sport. If his favorite fruit is oranges then you can tell from an early age what he's going to do.

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My Mom At 16 Yrs Old With Her Camaro In 1975

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Cool mom
Reddit | MorganGanem
Reddit | MorganGanem
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This daughter found this photo of her mother and realized just how similar we are to our parents when they were our age. We often forgot that when we were growing up, but the more we age the more we become our parents.

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Igniting The Passion

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photos of father and daughter almost 10 years in the pilot cabin
Photo Credit: ASK003 / Reddit
Photo Credit: ASK003 / Reddit
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The first picture was taken in 2006 and features a very proud and excited looking little girl. Fast forward to 2019 and it looks like it's the dad's turn to be the proud and excited one.

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Giving Life To A New Generation

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dad holding new born 29 years apart
Photo Credit: BeerIsDelicious / Reddit
Photo Credit: BeerIsDelicious / Reddit
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A son recreated the picture his dad took at 29 years old with him (his first) at two weeks old. He was also 29, posing with his first kid, at two weeks old. The fact that he was even able to track down the same Mickey Mouse shirt is impressive.

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Loss In Weight, Loss In Age

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Father and son decides to get in shape together
Photo Credit: GallowBoob / Reddit
Photo Credit: GallowBoob / Reddit
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A father and son decides to get in shape together, and the results were outstanding. Even from the way they're standing you can tell they feel more confident, and even look younger.

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First Day Of School

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first day of school
Photo Credit: wowblufall / Reddit
Photo Credit: wowblufall / Reddit
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Maybe school used to be more fun in the pre-technology age, but the daughter doesn't look quite as excited about her first day of first grade as her mother did 25 years prior.

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Retiring After 41 Years

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father and son pose together in pilot uniforms
Photo Credit: gangbangkang / Reddit
Photo Credit: gangbangkang / Reddit
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A Father spent his last flight together with his son. They're both pilots and it was time he retired after flying for 41 years with Air Canada. Now it's the son's turn to fly high.

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First Shuttle Launch and Last Shuttle Launch

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Father and Son: First Shuttle Launch and Last Shuttle Launch
Photo Credit: arockalypse / Reddit
Photo Credit: arockalypse / Reddit
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These pictures are 30 years apart. They show a father and son attending their first Shuttle launch and last shuttle launch. You're never too old to accompany your dad to their favourite events even though they're clearly more excited about it than you are.

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The Time-Travelling Dress

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mother, daughter, grandma all wear the same dress as babies
Photo Credit: joeyheartbear / Reddit
Photo Credit: joeyheartbear / Reddit
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This pink dress survived the daughter in 2011, the mother in 1983, and the grandmother in 1956. All three were photographed in the same dress, made by the great grandmother. Now that's high-quality fashion.

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Like Looking In The Mirror

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Enlisted Father And Son years apart
Photo Credit: u/chet- / Reddit
Photo Credit: u/chet- / Reddit
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This father and son both enlisted at 19 years old, making these pictures 25 years apart. It almost looks like the exact same picture except one is more grainy than the other due to older photography technology.

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Success Knows No Age

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Mother and daughter get medical degrees on the same day
Photo Credit: Reddit336 / Reddit
Photo Credit: Reddit336 / Reddit
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This mother and daughter duo are both receiving medical degrees on the same day. Who followed in whose footsteps here? Or, maybe they simply both inspired each other when the time was right. Parents can be inspired by their children just as much as their children learn from them.