Growing through change

Clarke Central High School seniors and twins Amanda and Elise stand in a flower bush in their youth. Although the twins have different career goals, they both plan on attending college in the fall even though they may be apart. “We’re probably going to immediately go to college in the fall, but criminal justice and international relations (are what I want to major in),” Amanda said. “I’m already dual enrolling at (the University of Georgia) so I could continue there, but I’ve applied to a few other schools. I want to study abroad just do different things like that during college.” Photo courtesy of Amanda and Elise Ochieng

After a lifetime as siblings and a full year of virtual at-home learning together, Clarke Central High School seniors and twins Amanda and Elise Ochieng may be parting ways in the fall to follow their individual interests.

Growing up, Amanda and Elise shared a special connection enjoying many of the same academic and extracurricular activities.

CCHS seniors and twins Amanda and Elise Ochieng stand together for a photo while eating snow when they were younger.

“We’ve always been very close, going into high school we were close. We did a lot of the same things, we did FFA together,” Amanda said. “I did band and track, but those were the same things that we weren’t doing the same. But we’re still very close.”

“After I study agribusiness I want to own a ranch. I know that’s way far in the future, but I want to own a ranch. That’s really been on my heart.”

— Elise Ochieng,
CCHS senior and twin

As they have moved forward in their lives, the twins have found their own personalities and desires for the future.

“I’ve done agriculture all four years, done FFA all four years, but I don’t think I will go into it in college,” Amanda said. “I want to study criminal justice and international relations in college.”

For Elise, their shared interest in agriculture has greatly influenced her life plans.

“I’m interested in agriculture, so (I joined) FFA. I plan to study agribusiness in college,” Elise said. “After I study agribusiness I want to own a ranch. I know that’s way far in the future, but I want to own a ranch. That’s really been on my heart.”

With the unprecedented virtual 2020-21 school year, Amanda and Elise have been able to prosper in this unique learning environment only furthering their own personal goals.

“I prefer being just online. I obviously miss all of the people and all of the interactions and teachers and everything, but as far as schoolwork is concerned, I think it’s been a little easier to do stuff on our own time,” Elise said.

CCHS seniors and twins Amanda and Elise Ochieng stand together for a photo.

As the school year comes to an end, the Ochieng twins are preparing for the possibility of each having their own individual college experience. As of now, Elise has been accepted to Penn State University, Texas A&M and the University of Wyoming, and Amanda has been accepted to the University of Georgia, Penn State University, Hawai’i Pacific University, Elon University and the University of Cincinnati.

“I think college will be fun just having the experience, being around new people doing different things. So I’m very ready, and I’m excited for that process.”

— Amanda Ochieng,
CCHS senior and twin

Amanda feels that her views on the likelihood of attending different universities have changed in the past year.

“Now I think it would be okay, but earlier, even earlier this year and throughout high school, I wasn’t really looking forward to it. Now I think I’d be okay,” Amanda said. “If we are living further apart I’m sure our relationship will change, but not in a bad way.”

With graduation three months away, Amanda and Elise are excited to start a new chapter of their lives and look forward to their future plans no matter if they are apart.

“I think if this year had been more normal, then maybe it would be different, but I’m just ready to be done. I’m ready to move on and hopefully be able to see everyone if graduation gets to go smoothly in person,” Amanda said. “I think college will be fun just having the experience, being around new people doing different things. So I’m very ready, and I’m excited for that process.”

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