scored a double first.

They are believed to be the only female Bermudians to be awarded degrees in mechanical engineering. This distinction, unusual in itself, was achieved at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge -- long a bastion of male supremacy.

The twins, however, are quick to point out that, these days, women account for 35 percent of the total enrolment at MIT.

"So it was no problem, from that point of view,'' says Peta. "The people who had problems tended to be students -- of either gender -- who had never been away from home before. It takes a long time to get used to the idea of freedom and to learn how to be disciplined about homework and organising your time.'' For the Lewin twins, MIT was just the latest change of location in an education that has taken them from Bermuda (Gilbert Institute), to boarding school and `O' levels in England, `A' level equivalents in Switzerland and back to Bermuda for the freshman year at the Bermuda College.

Peta, who won a scholarship from Belco, also attended the University of Vermont before joining her twin at MIT. Paula, meanwhile, had been awarded a Bermuda Government scholarship.

Neither twin feels that mechanical engineering (which embraces such scientific feats as the designing of bridges, cars or even robots to traverse the moon) is an unusual choice for a female. Peta, for instance, is hoping to work for a couple of years at Belco before deciding whether to go on to further studies at graduate school. She has already spent the past two summers working there.

Paula, however, has another plan which, at the moment, takes precedence over engineering. She is anxious to have another try at sailing for the Bermuda team at the Olympics, due to take place in Atlanta in 1996.

Her dream possibly was edged forward a little recently when she scored yet another "first'' -- becoming the first woman to skipper in the fitted dinghy races.

At MIT she was also voted Most Valuable Player, female athlete of the year and, for two years in a row, was given the "All American'' Award for sailing, an honour bestowed on just six top female students in the US.

"I competed in Barcelona, but I was very disappointed in my performance there. I don't know if it was the pressure and tension, but I don't feel I gave my best, so I'd like to have another shot,'' she says.

Although Peta is also a keen sailor and was also a member of MIT's sailing squad, she admits that she is probably more artistically inclined. "I studied ballet with Patricia Gray as a child, and then in England. Now, I just do aerobics, but once I get settled, I may take dance up again.'' For a graduate engineer who speaks fluent French and German (as does her twin), Peta should have plenty of choice as to where she chooses to work.

So far, the twins have stayed together, although they concede that this may change in the future.

"We're not just sisters, we're great friends,'' they exclaim. Even childhood fights, they say, were "soon over''.

"There is not telepathy, as such, between us,'' says Peta, "but when you're constantly together, as we have been, you get to know how the other one is feeling.'' The Lewin twins give top marks for their academic success to their parents to whom they remain very close: "We're a close-knit family,'' explains Paula.

"Our parents have always spent a lot of time with us. I feel it's very important for young people to have their parents around and involved. They never pressured us, but if it hadn't been for their support and determination, I don't think we would have got into MIT. Talent isn't everything -- it has to be backed up with motivation and perseverance.'' DOUBLE FIRST -- Twins Paula, left, and Peta Lewin, 22, believe they are the first Bermudian females to obtain degrees in mechanical engineering. They have just graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.