Twin Torero Experience: Katelyn and Michelle McSkane

Twin Torero Experience: Katelyn and Michelle McSkane

McSkane

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. 

“The things that make it wonderful also make it difficult.”

For Michelle McSkane, her relationship with her twin sister, Katelyn, is like any other sibling relationship, except for the fact that they share many of the same interests and happen to look a lot alike.

Originally from Orange County, Calif., these fraternal twins were one of the 10 sets of twins who started at USD in 2012. Now entering their final undergraduate year, both are reflecting on the experiences they’ve had as part of the campus community, and where they plan to go next.

A Twin Experience

Growing up together in Southern California, these sisters are studious by nature and share a love for adventure and the outdoors. They also share an outgoing personality, and enjoy the unique experiences being a twin creates.

“When we were in high school, we switched classes. It wasn’t as fun as most people think because when no one notices, it is just like going to any other class,” says Katelyn.

“The teachers never noticed,” adds Michelle. “I ended up having to work on Katelyn’s homework assignment, but it was really funny when we told [them] because they had no idea.”

Their relationship doesn’t appear to be much different from other sibling relationships, but they do find that they get more attention because of it.

“People think it is really cool to be a twin,” says Katelyn. As with any relationship, though, Michelle admits that there are ups and downs. “Sometimes you really enjoy being a twin and other times you get annoyed with your twin, but you can’t do much about it.”

However, both agree that there is a special bond between them. “It is wonderful when you have moments where you can talk about anything at any time and those when you cannot stop laughing at something no one else understands,” Katelyn says.

Coming to USD

The sisters didn’t plan to attend the same college. Coming to USD was a personal decision for both of them, one that was made independently from what the other sibling decided to do. For both, though, similar aspects of the USD community stood out: the smaller school and class sizes, the location, and the faith community.

Attending college together, both agree they wanted to experience it on their own, but took comfort in knowing that a little bit of home came with them. “It was nice coming back to my dorm and being able to have a better sense of home,” says Katelyn.

As roommates since their first year, the sisters have found that their relationship is a strong motivator in everything they do. “It has made me work harder in school because my sister is more studious than me, which [encourages] me to study more,” Katelyn admits.

The College Years

Both have made a point of being active on campus since their first year. Involved in everything from the Residence Hall Association, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and the Rock Climbing team, Katelyn and Michelle have enjoyed the diverse outlets that are available to the USD community. Now entering their senior year, both sisters aim to make an impact in the medical field after graduation.

Michelle, who is currently pursuing a major in behavioral neuroscience, hopes to attend medical school, whereas Katelyn, who is a psychology major and biology minor, plans to apply to graduate schools for nursing. Both are looking forward to the next step after graduation, and although it may be done separately, are excited for the new adventure.

They admit they are ready to go outside their comfort zone, which Michelle sums up with her favorite quote, “It’s not about the pursuit of happiness, but the happiness of pursuit.”

— 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