On a twin dress up day in middle school, twins Solange and Samia Wilson decided to switch places and see if anybody would notice. No one did.
“We told nobody,” Samia Wilson said. “We sat in class, like I waved at her teacher. She waved at my English teacher, it wasn’t even noticed.
In elementary school the girls were put in the same class. They spoke only to each other and even when moved into different classes they wouldn’t talk until they saw each other. They just liked each other too much.
The only way to tell the girls apart is by their different glasses and different face shapes. Still only their older sister can consistently tell them apart.
“I would describe my twin as like my second half,” Solange Wilson said, “because she’s been with me my entire life, we’ve done everything together.”
They share many hobbies. They both like the same TV shows and participate in band and color guard. Even when they don’t share the same interests, they still show up to support one another. If Solange Wilson has a French Club meeting then Samia Wilson will be there too, despite not knowing any French.
“I love everything she does,” Samia Wilson said. “But it’s more than that. I just love being a twin overall, and like there’s no favorite part to be about it.”
Throughout the COVID pandemic many people felt alone. Most were stuck in their houses without the ability to see their friends. Solange and Samia had a very different story. They never felt alone.
“I couldn’t go out of the house as often,” Solange said. “I didn’t like being at home. I felt twitchy. So, Samia and I would go outside and ride our bikes around the neighborhood. Then we would ride everywhere and find new places to explore.”
Though Solange and Samia want to go to the same school after high school, their parents suggested they go to different schools so they can gain independence.
“I want to watch out for her,” Samia said. “But at the same time, she needs to experience the world.”
They are each fiercely protective of each other. In elementary school, a boy was picking on Solange. Samia refused to let it go and gave that boy a piece of her mind.
“When I feel down, she helps me out,” Solange said “When she feels down, I try to help her out the best I can.”
Though they look identical, they each have distinct personalities and aspirations. Samia is extroverted and outgoing, while Solange is soft spoken and introverted.
“If we go to an event and it’s just the two of us, usually it’s a Samia who takes the chance to go talk to people, and then I usually follow through afterwards,” Solange said.
Their differences don’t end there. In the future, Solange wants to be a pediatrician and Samia wants to be a forensic scientist. Though their paths may be different ways after high school, Samia said there is no breaking their bond. She makes sure to remind Solange of that often.
“Solange, I love you very much,” Samia said, “and I hope to see what you accomplish in the future.”
