Though you might not guess it at first glance, Colton and Blake Pichon are fraternal twins. Unlike the classic image of identical twins confusing teachers and classmates, these two bring their own distinct personalities to the sophomore class at Dee-Mack. Still, growing up side by side and sharing the same school comes with its own unique set of experiences. We sat down with the pair to learn about how being twins has shaped their lives here at school.
Like most siblings, Colton and Blake have their fair share of disagreements, but being twins provides them with a different kind of connection. When they were asked what the best and hardest part about being a twin at school was, here’s what they had to say. Colton mentioned that the best part was “having a friend everywhere I go, showing up to school, going home, I just never have to be alone” while the worst was being mad at each other, “When we spend too much time together we argue.” Blake notes that his favorite part about having a twin at school is “I have somebody to compete with for sports and somebody to play with all the time, I really enjoy that because it makes me a better player.” Blake says that the hardest part about going to school with Colton is “if he gets in trouble I have to hear about it at school and at home”
Despite sharing a birthday, the Pichons are quick to point out that they have very different personalities. In response to a question about the biggest difference between the two, Colton acknowledged that one clear contradiction between him and his brother was their behavior in social situations. “Blake is much more awkward and shy and I’m a lot more outgoing and don’t have that kind of social anxiety that he has”. Blake pointed out that the academic performances differed between the two as well, playfully noting that he is the smarter twin.
Being a twin in an academic setting can have its pros and cons, however Blake and Colton both agree that having a twin at school gives them an advantage. Colton implied that one of the biggest advantages of having a twin at school was that if he is sick, his brother provides him with quick access to anything he missed during the school day. “Having a twin is most definitely an advantage- like for schoolwork I can use his notes if I’m sick.” Blake added that not only are the boys able to help each other out with school work, but with sports as well. When they were questioned about if they enjoy having classes together, Blake acknowledged that he’s very used to sharing classes with his brother. “I don’t mind it because I’m used to it since it’s been our whole life. It can definitely be helpful, but it’s kind of always been that way, never different.” Colton mentioned that he really enjoys classes with Blake because “I feel like it’s easy because it’s like a built-in partner and it’s just twice as easy with me and him both working on it.”
One thing that the twins hear all the time? Assumptions. Whether it’s regarding their academic performances or their interests, the boys are quick to state that not everything people think about twins holds true. Blake says that one of the biggest assumptions they get is that the two are supposed to be super close with each other. Colton further notes that something they have to clear up a lot is that they are not identical. “People always assume that we’re supposed to look alike, and that we’re supposed to act the same, but that’s definitely not the case.”
Whether it is sharing a classroom or sharing a birthday, twins bring a special dynamic to school life. Their bond can provide both challenges and advantages, but their shared experiences give them a support system both socially and academically. In the end, Colton and Blake’s bond offers them familiarity and support, but it’s their differences that truly help them stand out.