Being a twin or triplet has both its merits and drawbacks. These siblings are instant friends and companions, but they sometimes feel as though they lack individual identity and independence.

Jacqueline Ahasic, senior in FAA, and her twin Erin both attend the University. Jacqueline said having a twin is great because there is comfort in knowing there’s always someone there. Though they have slightly different personalities, Jacqueline said they are pretty much the same person.

Best of all, Jacqueline said, “My twin is my best friend.”

Lauren Aquino, freshman in FAA, is part of a fraternal triplets set. Lauren and her sisters, Erin and Kara, all attend the University. Erin and Kara even live in the same dormitory, though on different floors. Each sister has a different major, and they made a conscious decision to split up for their freshman living situations.

As a kid, Lauren really liked being part of triplets. All three sisters were shy as kids and having each other eased their school experience, she said. While Lauren said she was more independent as a kid, the three were still best friends.

Still, Lauren said there is a bad side to being a triplet. The three were compared against each other very often. She also said being part of a threesome was difficult at times. Twins seem to get along better, she said.

With triplets, there’s more friction. There are always two sisters who are really close, and then there’s the third one, she said. It seems like there’s always an odd man out. In a way, though, Lauren said this situation is good because it makes the siblings learn the importance of independence.

Becca Kieffer, junior in business, didn’t appreciate the companionship her twin sister Bethany gave her until later in life. She didn’t realize that other kids didn’t have that, she said.

High school was a difficult time for the pair because they had the same friends. Becca said this was difficult at times because she wanted to be more independent.

“College really cured everything,” Becca said.

While Becca ended up attending the University, her sister Bethany decided to attend Illinois State University. Attending different schools gave the sisters the independence they needed. At first, they didn’t miss each other. But after a week, Kieffer said both realized how much they needed each other.

Katie Sonneborn, a junior in LAS, has a twin brother, Andy. Although growing up as a twin was difficult at times, Katie said she loves it now.

“He’s one of my best friends,” she said.

Unlike most twins, Katie and Andy are nothing alike. While they have the same eyes, she said that is their only similar characteristic. Also, Andy is shy while Katie is more outgoing.

“We’re as different as you could be,” she said.

Still, the pair had some identity issues growing up. Katie said they were always referred to as “the twins.” They always had joint birthday parties and were always invited to places as a pair.

This year was the first year she had her own birthday party and her cake, she said.

To help foster independence, Katie and Andy’s parents gave them opportunities to have their own activities. Katie did gymnastics and Andy took music lessons. That helped a lot, she said.

Now that she’s older, Katie said she loves being a twin.

“There’s this automatic best friend who’s at the same place in life as you and understands you,” she said.