Twin Torero Experience: Melissa and Michelle Stencil

Twin Torero Experience: Melissa and Michelle Stencil

Stencil Sisters 1

The transition to college is an exciting time in any young adult’s life. However, with that excitement comes apprehension. The unfamiliar places, subjects, and people that a new student might meet appear daunting. However, for some Toreros, that journey was made with a familiar face — their twin. In the summer of 2012, 10 sets of twins committed to the University of San Diego — nine stayed at USD past their first year. Over the next few months, USD News Center will feature the twins’ stories, highlighting their shared experiences as well as who they are as individuals, giving them a chance to look back on the journey and contemplate what’s next.

“Sisters by chance, friends by choice.”

This is how identical twins Melissa and Michelle Stencil describe their relationship. However, these sisters are the first to admit their relationship is something they are constantly working at.

“A lot of people assume having a twin gives you an automatic best friend, however, that is a choice you have to make daily and is something that takes work,” says Michelle.

Background

Growing up within a supportive and loving environment, these San Diego natives would spend countless hours together, playing with toys or building forts. As they grew older, both saw competitive dance as an outlet, and enjoyed the opportunity to practice together and compete against one another.

Through these experiences, both Michelle and Melissa agree their relationship has been something that brings its own set of unique challenges.

“I usually say that being a twin is pretty much like being any other type of sibling, but amplified in all aspects — the comparisons, competitiveness, conflicts, love, joy, laughter, etc.,” says Melissa. “In a lot of ways, it’s actually like being married. It carries the same level of commitment and engagement.”

Choosing USD

When it came time to attend college, the sisters assumed they would each pick a campus they loved it just so happened that for both of them, it was USD. Coming to USD for a tour prior to their first year, both admit that the size and proximity of the campus to where they grew up influenced their decision. However, what really convinced them was the connection they immediately felt with USD’s faith community.

“When I walked on campus, I felt God here,” Michelle says. “My grandpa was with me and said that because USD is on a hill, ‘it is closer to the Heavens,’ which I thought was precious and sealed the deal.”

Sharing the Experience

Before starting classes at USD, both sisters were worried about attending the same school and having the ability to develop their own relationships.

“You go through every life experience at the same time so you will always understand what the other person is going through,” says Michelle, “but you are also compared more than other siblings because of that.”

However, their experience has provided them with the perfect mix of independence and support, giving them a chance to grow on their own and in their relationship.

“We knew that even though USD was small, it was big enough that we could be involved with different things if we wanted to be,” Melissa says. “USD has proven to be just that — the perfect balance between being together and being apart.”

A Look Ahead

Since coming to campus in 2012, the siblings have been active in USD’s chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). Finding community within the IVCF group, both sisters saw their continued involvement in the chapter as a chance to give back to a group on campus that has made a lasting impact on their college career.

Currently in their senior year, both sisters have also been active in the Honors Program since coming to campus. For Michelle and Melissa, the school’s academics have provided both of them with a new perspective on what their future goals might be.

Melissa, who is majoring in political science with a minor in theology, hopes to work for a non-governmental or governmental organization focused on protecting the rights of minority groups. After that, she hopes to start an Advanced Placement (AP) Government program in an inner-city high school, having been inspired to teach by her own experiences in an AP Government class.

Michelle is pursuing a major in psychology with a minor in theology and plans on becoming involved in a social justice organization through ministry or teaching. Motivated to promote social justice through her faith background, she hopes to one day become a professor of theology.

Wherever the next few years take Michelle and Melissa, together or apart, they have enjoyed all USD has to offer and are looking forward to what is next.

“I [have] loved being at the same school as my twin,” says Melissa. “It has made every experience much more joy-filled to be able to share it with Michelle. I have loved being able to see her grow and develop into the person she is today [and] wouldn’t want to share these memories with anyone else.”

— Allyson Meyer '16


Explore this series:
Twin Torero Experience: Katelyn and Michelle McSkane
Twin Torero Experience: Melissa and Michelle Stencil
Twin Torero Experience: Malina and Maya Hood
Twin Torero Experience: Ashton and Kalin Padberg
Twin Torero Experience: Aaron and Jared McCarthy