Above: The Duff twins (l-r) Kyle, Claire, Joel, and Erin enjoy game day at the University of Mississippi.
It is not unusual for a high school to have twins and it is certainly not unusual to find several sets of twins on a university campus but two sets of twins from the same family is very unique anywhere you go.
David and Jami Duff have five children. Twin brothers Joel and Kyle are seniors, while twin sisters Claire and Erin are sophomores all at the University of Mississippi. Their youngest child, Tyler, is a junior at New Albany High School.
This month the two sets of Duff twins are finishing up their fall semester of college and it will be the last time the four attend the same school together. They shared a year of high school and three semesters at Ole Miss together.
Their mother Jami Duff reflected, “Last year when I realized that the boys would both be in school one more semester, I thought, ‘Why us?’. I mean, of all families we desperately needed to get some out of college!” She continued by saying, “But, I’m glad it worked out that way because it gave the four of them one more semester together. Being in college together has given them extra time together that some siblings don’t get.”
Joel and Kyle will complete degree requirements this month. Joel will have degrees in both biology and psychology while Kyle will graduate with a double major in real estate and corporate finance. Joel is in the process of applying to medical school while Kyle is seeking a job in the banking industry.
Both Joel and Kyle are members of fraternities and Campus Crusade for Christ. They have been active in volunteer work and have also held jobs while being in college. Joel is a Woman’s Council Scholar, serves as an Ole Miss ambassador and was a Campus Favorite last year.
The older male Duffs never really think about being in a family that has twins. They are just glad to have spent time in college with their younger sisters.
The Duff sisters understand the uniqueness of being a twin and especially being a part of a family that has two sets. “I enjoy being a twin because it is so unique, especially because there’s not just one set but two,” said Erin. “It’s priceless to tell people that and watch the look of amazement that comes over their face.”
Claire and Erin Duff say there has been a noticeable difference being part of the “Duff twins” at Ole Miss compared to going to school in New Albany. “College is different than high school because we grew up with our high school friends and they had known us most of our lives. At college, we are meeting people for the first time and when they find out it is a good conversation starter,” Claire said.
Erin agreed, “Being a twin at New Albany High School was different compared to Ole Miss. Because New Albany was so small, we were one of the very few twins in high school.” She continued by saying, “At Ole Miss, it’s a little different. A lot of people know I’m a twin and have twin brothers, but just not the majority of people.”
The girls are sophomores at the University of Mississippi. Erin is majoring in Journalism while Claire’s major is Family and Consumer Science. Both girls are Lucky Day Scholars, Ole Miss Ambassadors, and members of sororities. Claire is a diamond girl and Erin is a member of Campus Crusade for Christ.
“All four of the kids have made their own friends and operate as individuals, but they have stayed so close to each other. Sometimes I think they are closer now than they were when they were all living at home,” said Jami Duff.
The Duff family gives much credit to the New Albany Schools for the success that the twins have enjoyed in college. “I’m glad for the opportunity to reflect on the years the twins spent in the New Albany Schools,” said their mother who is a gifted teacher at New Albany Elementary. “They came across many special teachers – wonderful elementary teachers who helped them develop a love of reading and learning, middle school teachers that continued to provide excellent instruction and helped take them to the next level, great high school teachers that not only engaged and challenged my children academically, but who cared about my children.”
Most of the Duff children agreed that their English classes were very helpful in preparing them for college because of the study skills that were developed and the creativity that was encouraged in their high school English classes. Their mother also pointed out that there were specific courses and teachers that were very important to the individuality of each of her children.
“All of the extracurricular activities that we are so happy for our children to participate in are possible because a teacher is willing to donate extra time and energy to sponsor it,” Jami Duff said. “I appreciate all the time teachers put in to making these activities and clubs possible.” She continued, “I’ve had kids involved in just about everything – sports, clubs, competitions, musicals, and journalism. These activities enhanced my children’s education and helped them develop leadership skills.”
Three of the Duff children have scholarships and their parents are thankful for the wonderful scholarship programs they are involved in at Ole Miss. They are also appreciative of the time and effort that members of the faculty and staff of New Albany High School gave to assist their children in the application process.
Although the Duff family is sad to see the four begin to go their separate ways, they are glad for the time they had together in college and for their relationships that have been strengthened. “I think it has made our relationship stronger,” Erin said. “We’ve always been an extremely close family, but being a twin adds a whole different dynamic to the relationship.”
“I think that the time spent in college together has cemented the twins’ future relationship not only as siblings but as friends too,” their mother said emotionally. “At least it will only be one more year before Tyler starts Ole Miss, and he and the girls will have a little more time to strengthen their bonds before our family spreads out even more.”
