Since ancient mythology, the twin children of Zeus, Apollo, and Artemis, both highly skilled archers, had differences as big as night and day.  Just like being ascribed as the moon goddess and the son god, twins often represent the vast duality of nature. Hot and cold, light and darkness, peace and war, black and white. Life itself is built around the premise that everything has its opposite, and when together, makes a balanced whole.

Walking through the hallways at TCS can awaken a sense of deja-vu when seeing an identical face down the same hallway. How can they look so similar yet act so differently?

There are some shared misconceptions about having a twin. “Have you two ever switched places during an exam? I bet you have pretended to be the other just like in The Parent Trap.” At first, growing up with a twin might seem like the most exhilarating time to have a “built-in best friend,” however, by the time they reach high school, most twins begin carving out their own identity outside the family realm.  

“Everyone always asks me ‘Is growing up with a twin in HS, really what it looks like in the movies?’ Let me break it to you, it’s not. Having a twin comes along with its own set of challenges,” Felipe Tamayo, Grade 11, said. 

Common Misconceptions

According to an article in The Guardian, the twin birth rate has risen by 76% during the past 40 years. Twins are more common than at any time in history, according to the first comprehensive survey of twin births around the world. Having a sibling in HS is one thing, but looking nearly identical to another person takes things to a whole next level. 

TCS itself has its own fair share of twins; people are often shocked to learn that Felipe and Miguel Tamayo, Grade 11, are fraternal. 

“If I didn’t know them since K4, I would have never imagined that they were even related. The only apparent thing that they share nowadays is their last name,” Ana Tobon, Grade 11, said. 

In 2010 during their first day of school, the Tamayo twins entered their K4 classroom, shocking everyone. Looking nearly identical and both wearing big pairs of blue glasses, no other student could believe their eyes. For the first time ever, they were seeing a carbon copy of a person. However, as soon as the twins grew older, Miguel asked for art supplies on Christmas, while Felipe did not even think twice about begging for a motorcycle. 

“On a Friday night, I am usually out partying while my brother stays home playing video games or drawing. Having a twin is not black or white. It has its grays in between, and that’s what people fail to understand,” Felipe Tamayo said. 

The Parent Trap is a classic movie that tells the story of identical twins, separated at birth. While the movie is beloved by many, it perpetuates several misconceptions about twins. In the movie, the twins have a psychic connection that allows them to know what the other is thinking and feeling. Similarly, they are able to switch places effortlessly, fooling even their own parents. As fun as it seems, twins in real life cannot be simply swapped without notice. 

“Can you feel each other’s pain? Do you guys have some type of secret language?” These questions are often expressed with such enthusiasm and eagerness by other TCS students, that 11th grader Camila Pelaez’s answers can somewhat come off as underwhelming. 

“Asking ‘What’s it like having a twin, yet looking nothing alike’ is like asking you what it’s like to breathe air—you wouldn’t know, because you’ve never lived without it,” Camila Pelaez said. 

17-year-old twins Camila and Sebastian Pelaez look nothing alike. While Camila has bright blue eyes and light brown hair, Sebastian has dark brown eyes and hair. To many, their kinship is hidden in plain sight. Even teachers are surprised to discover that they are related by the end of the school year. 

“People believe that we spend a lot of time together and talk to each other a lot. So it surprises them when they find us spending time apart,” Camila Pelaez said. 

In ES and MS, the Pelaez Arango twins were close friends in addition to being siblings. They used to enjoy spending their afternoons together and would tell each other all their secrets. Once they entered the doors of HS, however, they began to follow different paths and played the role of siblings as opposed to friends. 

Both the Pelaez and Tamayo twins agree that having a twin in HS can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they assure that having a close support system will always provide a sense of companionship, support, and shared experiences that can be valuable and fulfilling. However, there are many hardships that may also come along the way.  

“The biggest challenge so far has been growing up feeling in my sister’s shadow. She’s always been the perfect child that makes my parents proud. Especially now, when I feel constantly pressured to be just like her, and have my life figured out by now,” Sebastian Pelaez said. 

By the time they reached HS, rivalries and constant competition came to a head. Twins that were once used to doing everything together, now begin dealing with the influences of new friendships and are welcomed by the so-called “teenage drama.”

Opposites Make a Balanced Whole

Despite the struggles that may come along the way, sophomores Amalia and Nicolas Pelaez Mejía describe their experience as twins as one of the most enriching adventures. 

“I have been able to fulfill all my dreams with my brother by my side. He’s the first one I go to whenever I’m sad or happy. My best memories always have him in the frame,” Amalia Pelaez said. 

Throughout high school, Amalia Pelaez has experienced issues related to identity, competition, and individuality. Regardless, she has always put her love for her brother first to continue building upon their close and unconditional bond. 

The twins have managed to maintain a strong relationship throughout the years because they learned to appreciate each other’s differences and understand that these are complementary. 

“My connection with Nicolas is hard to simply put into words. One will never understand what it’s like to have a twin unless you actually have one,” Amalia Pelaez said. 

The Pelaez Mejia twins also have an older brother, Senior Jeronimo Pelaez. However, they assure that the connection between twins will always be unmatched.

“Having a twin means that you will always have someone that loves you unconditionally and understands you like no other. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Amalia Pelaez said.