Aoki Lee Simmons is a Harvard graduate! The young adult finished her undergraduate studies at the Ivy League University earlier this week.
Kimora Lee Simmons, Aoki’s mother, took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news. She wrote, “My baby girl is a HARVARD GRADUATE!!! AND with a double major! AND one of the youngest in recent history to do so at only 20 years young! This is CRAZYY! IM SO SO SOO PROUD! AND all the while carrying a full time job modeling! But YOU DID IT!-WE DID IT! Mama loves you soooo much my brainy beauty! These are hard fought tears anyone who knows us will know!”
Aoki Lee Simmons began her studies at Harvard University at the age of sixteen years old. The teen also worked to build her modeling career, which ruffled a few feathers. Aoki, however, remained true to herself throughout the experience.
“I’m so thankful for the village of people that spurred me along and helped keep me focused,” the young scholar shares. “My mom, my sister, my little brothers back at home,” Aoki tells PEOPLE. “It took a whole tribe, trust me,” the young adult exclaims.
A portion of Aoki’s “next chapter” includes fashion. “I’ll be in New York modeling, writing and working at my mom’s company,” the young adult says when asked about her immediate plans for the future. “There are so many projects that I can’t wait to dive into,” Aoki explains. “But it will be nice to take a breath!”
Kimora Lee Simmons attended two college commencement ceremonies this month. Aoki’s older sister, Ming Lee Simmons, finished her undergraduate studies at New York University (NYU).
“This has been a banner season for our family,” Kimora tells the press. “Both my daughters graduating the same year — wow,” the celebrity mom exclaims. “I can’t begin to express how proud I am of them. They’re both such brainy beauties! And they’re all mine,” Kimora exclaims.
“I want Aoki Lee to keep the same energy and passion she’s shown her entire life,” the fashion mogul says of her youngest daughter. “It’s nice to have a Harvard grad in the family, but it might be nice to have an attorney, too,” Kimora continues. “I’ve promised myself I’ll wait at least a week before I start gently nudging her in that direction, though.”
Photo: kIFMORA LEE sIMMONS iNSTAGRAM
