Here at our home by the sea, we have a number of traditions. From walking on Ogden Circle the night before graduation, the freshmen class taking the name of the senior class, and last but not least the infamous swag surf. But one tradition that I’ve noticed, that others may not, would be the sets of twins in each class. Since my freshmen year, I have seen a set of twins in every class.
They say that our first friends are our siblings, or even cousins. But what if your best friend was born a few seconds before you, looks exactly like you, and shared all of life’s experiences with you. That’s what it’s like being a twin, especially for Kayla and Kenya. These twin sisters are freshmen (QTX) from our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Kenya (pictured on the right) is a strategic communications major and Kayla is a marketing major. I sat down with Kayla to see how she feels about being a twin on campus.
1) Did both of you decide to come to Hampton together?
K(ayla) Waugh: Yes and no. Originally, this was my first choice, I always knew I wanted to go to Hampton. But Kenya wanted to go down south to Clark Atlanta. So we came on a Hampton tour together, fell in love, applied, and now we’re here!
2) Do you like having a twin?
KW: Yes, because I’m never by myself and it’s like having my best friend who understands me, although it can get annoying at times.
3) If it was up to you, would you still have attended Hampton if your sister didn’t?
KW: Yes, because the only time we went to school together was during elementary school. We didn’t get to go to middle and high school together, so I believe we would. Also it’s easier on us to go to different campus events with each other, and even for our parents to get us when we want to go home.
4) Have people gotten you two mixed up since being here?
KW: All the time! People would come up to me and be like “Girl have you done the work?” and sometimes I would go along with it, and other times I would let them know I’m not Kenya (lol!)
5) Do you guys have the “twin instincts” or are the vibes completely off?
KW: We do, for example if someone is wearing something that’s not cute, the first thing we do is look and each other like “did you see that?” and laugh. Also, if one of us have a stomachache, the other will probably have one as well.
I’m sure many twins, not just at Hampton but worldwide, feel the same as these two girls. Having a twin is something not everyone can get to experience, but those who do have a tighter sibling bond than some. So when you see Kenya or Kayla around campus be sure to say hi, that’s if you can tell the difference.