Kayla and Alyssa Hopple are twins who do almost everything together and are now adding college to that list.
The first-year students—both graduates of Dallas High School—wanted to attend college together because of their close relationship.
“We’re identical twins and we wanted to stay together,” Kayla explained. “We heard Penn State Wilkes-Barre has a good reputation and our dad loves watching Penn State football games.”
Alyssa added, “Because of the smaller class sizes at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, I can get to know the professors here.”
Alyssa, left, and Kayla Hopple at their high school graduation.
The Hopples, who live in Shavertown, wanted to start their college experience at a school close to home. Their first interaction with Penn State Wilkes-Barre was through the Lion CUBs program, which assists high school students with their transition to college.
“Once a month we gathered on Zoom to learn about Penn State Wilkes-Barre, including what programs it offers, what it’s like to live life as a Penn State student and the work you might receive,” Kayla said.
Alyssa said, “I thought it was a nice program, especially so I could get to know some of the students who were also coming here to college.”
Their parents “thought it was amazing” that Kayla and Alyssa are going to college together, Alyssa said.
“They thought it would be good for financial reasons and for moral support, too,” Kayla added. “Being close to home to start, they can help as much as they can when we need them the most.”
The twins have done most things together throughout their lives, including chamber choir, chorus, band, drama, and dance lessons in middle school and high school. They also enjoy playing video games, drawing, painting, and going for walks outside.
Although they are pursuing different majors in college, both twins found the 2+2 program to be an excellent way to work toward their goals.
Kayla plans to major in foreign language education with the goal of becoming a Spanish translator or foreign language teacher.
“I joined the Foreign Languages Club in high school and enjoyed learning about world cultures and getting together with people who have the same interests as me,” she said. “I thought the 2+2 program would be an ideal path for me to complete my major and allow me to stay with my family for a little while before living independently.”
Alyssa plans to major in digital media, arts, and technology.
“I hope to pursue a career in the art field as a video game designer or work in anime or something with art,” she said. “With the 2+2 program, I can get used to what it’s like to be in college and classes in a smaller group.”
Both said they are excited to join the Nerd Herd, one of the clubs on campus, to play video games and watch anime together.
“I’m looking forward to learning what it’s like to be a Penn State student and living the life I want to live,” Kayla said.
Kayla, left, and Alyssa Hopple were excited to graduate from high school and begin their studies at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
