Going to school as a twin leads to a unique experience unfamiliar to other students, resulting in positive outcomes with athletics, academics, and friendships. This is because of the bond they share and bring into the classroom. 

Growing up, the Kleinke and Putnam twins concurred that they have a strong connection to their counterparts, which improves their school experiences. Kate Kleinke, a sophomore, stated, “We have a good connection, and I feel like we know each other a lot better than if we were just siblings.”

It was also easier for them to create strong friendships, as they could befriend people their twin knows. Liam Kleinke said, “We became better friends with each other’s friends, so we have a huge friend circle.” 

The Putnam twins agreed. “We would share friends and have a lot of people to hang out with,” added freshman Mason Putnam. 

Attending school together also lets them help each other with different subjects. “It’s nice that I can study with someone who’s taking the same classes,” continued Kleinke. There are other ways that they’re able to aid one another with schoolwork, though. 

 Emery Putnam believes the competitiveness between himself and Mason urges each other to perform better in the classroom:

“We compete with each other a lot. In academics, you have to get good grades to get scholarships, so I think that makes us push each other.”

This ambitious attitude is also carried onto the field. Masen Putnam added,

“We want to do well in sports, but both want to do better than the other. So, we work hard.” 

This competition isn’t always positive, though, as it can lead to negative comparisons.

“Something challenging is people comparing us in different ways, like who’s better at different things,” said Emery Putnam. But, it isn’t always other people doing the comparing and contrasting.

Kate Kleinke stated,

“Sometimes I compare myself to Liam, thinking about who’s better than who, like having better grades or doing better in sports.” Even when they face challenges, these twins continue to have close relationships and make good support systems for one another. 

“I like getting to know what’s going on in her (Kate’s) life and just sharing that kind of thing. We get to be there and help each other out with anything,” stated Liam Kleinke. 

Twins at Wilsonville have close relationships with ups and downs, but overall can be there for one another and always offer motivation. Going to school together also provides opportunities for them to spend time and make great memories together.