Most people know what it’s like to have a sibling, but odds are that only one in 250 people in the world know what it’s like to have a twin. At Richard Montgomery High School [RM], there is a large population of twins. 

Like any other siblings, juniors and fraternal twins Dana Aybare and Kelly Namara have many similarities and differences. They both have similar world views and do many of the same clubs like National Honors Society and Black Student Union. They also participate in clubs separately that are specific to their individual interests as Namara does Science Olympiad and Aybare does MOCO Against Brutality. But, whereas Namara is quieter in social situations, Aybare is more outgoing. 

Many twins feel like they are constantly compared to each other and are analyzed for their differences. “Some people like to frame it in an annoying way, that’s sort of frustrating. I feel other twins can probably relate too to this unusually detailed judgment of our personalities because we’re always around each other,” Ayebare said. 

 Sophomores Samantha and Izzy Sophir have also experienced this and find it frustrating. They both do dance outside of school and are on RM’s Poms team but have been asked who the better dancer is. 

In addition to dance, the Sophir twins are both dedicated to school and enjoy having some classes together where they can help one another. They have some of the same friends but have also met many of their own friends from extracurriculars they do separately.

Even with their separate activities, Samantha enjoys being able to go to unfamiliar places and always having someone there with her.  Many other twins agree, including freshman Mandi Ryles.  “You always have a friend there…you always have this sort of company and someone to talk to, which is really nice,” Ryles said. 

Mandi and Madelyn Ryals are both interested in similar types of subjects but do different activities that are part of it. For example, they both are in RM’s Drama Club but Mandi does lighting crew and Madelyn does running. Furthermore, when they did dance, Mandi did Hip Hop and Madelyn did Ballet. Aside from appearances, they have a lot in common: they have similar fashion and music choices, and act alike in classes. 

Mandi feels that she and Madelyn are more like friends than they are siblings because they are so close in age and have been together their whole lives.

In addition to looks, Emma and Camryn Tyser have many of the same likes and dislikes, overall humor and playing soccer in common. Despite this, they have distinct personalities. 

The Tysers are identical twins which can cause some people to group them together, making it difficult for them to differentiate themselves from each other. This is common among many sets of twins and can be irritating. 

For some twins surrounding themselves with people who respect them and reminding themselves that they are their own separate person is helpful. Being able to have opportunities to be separate from each other can be useful. “We don’t do the exact same activities…you kind of are able to branch off and make different friends,” freshman Adam Yachin said.  

Adam and Aitan Yachin have some of the same friends but have made separate ones from their respective sports- tennis and baseball. Despite differences in personality, they have similar senses of humor. 

Being a twin isn’t all positive or negative but being able to have someone by your side is always comforting. “It’s kind of just like having a built-in best friend who you can always talk and relate to,” Tyser said.  

To check out the adorable baby photos of the twins interviewed, click on the gallery below!

Gallery • 5 Photos

Young Tyser twins