We started as wombmates, inseparable and irreplaceable. From there, we learned to live as a unit through the ups and downs of adolescence while still remaining true to one another.
We undoubtedly had our differences as many twins and Geminis do, which were present as early as our infancy, Lucy enjoying the calm and quiet, and I flourishing in noise and disruption. Like many siblings, we both had to learn each other’s limits and understand how to leverage our differences. Throughout school, Lucy remained true to her methodical nature, while I would pursue multiple attempts to find success.
Although adolescence can be a lonely time for many, having Lucy by my side meant that I both had supporter and devil’s advocate. We realized while we were similar in many ways we also had individual strengths that could benefit one another. Lucy’s primary strength is her ability to manage multiple challenges efficiently and productively, where as I am able to remain empathic to others no matter how much is own my own plate.
Our first major separation, both from our hometown and each other, was when we both chose to go our separate ways to University. I committed to the BCom program at McGill, while Lucy spent 2 years at Carleton pursuing Journalism, but ultimately finishing her BA in Media Studies here at UBC. The biggest adjustment was pushing myself to be my own individual person and that no longer primarily identify as a twin. The first time I saw Lucy (Thanksgiving during our first semester) I was relieved to find that although we were different people at school, who we were a home didn’t change.
Since that first year apart our relationship has altered greatly. As we both dove into our new identities so quickly we sometimes lost sight of connection we shared. We both faced life’s trials and tribulations differently which cause us to take different perspectives on our goals. I, very much a driver, began looking for ways I could push myself to leave the comfort of Vancouver in the hopes of finding more opportunities in Toronto. Now, four years on, I have set in stone my intention to live independently in Toronto which has led to another crossroads both with my family and Lucy.
I hope, going forward, the underlying connection we share, which is often hidden from view when creating new experiences for ourselves and meeting new people, keeps us rooted and reminds us of what’s truly important in life.
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