Saying goodbye to family on college move-in day is quite painful, especially for out-of-state students. However, I’d like to think my goodbyes were easier because I didn’t have to say goodbye to my best friend, Fiona, who’s also my twin sister.
Going to the same college was something Fiona and I contemplated all senior year. Fiona and I have attended the same school since pre-school. However, we decided to test our abilities and our luck by applying to some of the same colleges but also a few different ones. We received our status update for Colby while in the elevator at the Whitney Museum of Art during a field trip. I can say for sure that a good portion of the museum goers were very confused when two girls started jumping up and down in the middle of the exhibition. Colby was the first LAC Fiona and I both gained admission to. After visiting during the Admitted Students Week, we were allured by Miller’s beauty and blessed with amazing hosts, which made Colby a clear choice.
Although we couldn’t choose our roommates for our first year, Fiona and I decided to both apply to Substance Free Housing to ensure that we’re able to get a good night’s rest and to boost the possibility of being placed in the same dorm. And it worked! We both got placed in Williams on different floors. Living so close comes with its perks, like the convenience of borrowing each other’s clothes and saving money by sharing items, such as a blow dryer and kettle.
However, there are also some drawbacks to going to the same college as my twin. During orientation not everyone we met knew we were twins, which caused some funny mix-ups.
During the first week of classes, I remember sitting on the ground in front of my math classroom when I was approached by a girl I didn’t recognize. She greeted me and asked if I’d read “the articles.” My mind went into full panic mode. I didn’t remember having to read an article for any of my classes.
“Is that for your W1 class?” I asked.
She nodded and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“I think you’re in the same W1 as my twin sister, Fiona.”
We ended up laughing it out and introduced ourselves. I learned that this girl was indeed in the same W1 as Fiona and that they sit next to each other. Although this event definitely made my stress levels rise for a split second, I inadvertently gained a friend on campus (with many thanks to my twin sister).
At the moment, I’m a bit over a month into my first year at Colby, and I can say with confidence that as time goes on, people do get better at differentiating between Fiona and I.
I don’t think there’s a right choice when it comes to choosing the same or different college as your twin, but discussing it openly is important.
I wasn’t prepared for the number of times I would be mistaken for Fiona because I don’t think we look alike at all. However, with the same glasses and similar physique, I understand why so many people are confused. I can say, I am so happy to be at Colby with her!