There are many students at Granite Hills, some are siblings, others are even twins.
Jose and Yaretzi Valdez are a pair of bright, hardworking, and highly involved students who happen to be twins. If you’re ever on campus and spot one of the Valdez twins, you’ll likely find the other close by. Their bond is inseparable; their relationship is closer than that of most siblings, let alone twins.
Like many twins, Jose and Yaretzi share plenty in common: friends, academics, and ambition. Both have strong interests in computer science, and both are seniors in the (CODE) Computer Operations in Development Pathway.
Throughout their high school journey, the twins participated together on the Granite Hills cross country team and have remained active members of the school community.
Yaretzi enjoys expressing herself through art, crafts, and fashion. Her hobbies include drawing, sketching, and playing Royal High. She also loves collecting Monster High Dolls.
“My Monster High Doll collection brings me happiness,” she said.
Her brother, however, doesn’t share the enthusiasm.
“They’re so annoying,” he said. “I find them useless.”
Jose’s interests lie deeply within STEM, whether it’s strategic problem-solving in his advanced classes or while playing video games. Last year, he excelled academically, scoring a four on three AP exams: AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, and AP Computer Science. He is also on track to graduate as a high school valedictorian.
Close friend Valeria Barraza, also a senior in the CODE Pathway and who has known the twins since elementary school, describes them as closer than most siblings. Within their friend group, Valeria jokes about Jose going on to be a CEO or even President, predicting a successful career ahead. As for Yaretzi, she believes she will be doing whatever she loves, whether it’s art or fashion.
Despite their strong bond, the twins still face challenges, particularly being compared to one another.
“Being compared to my brother is one of my struggles … the smart twin,” Yaretzi said.
Looking ahead, the twins’ paths begin to diverge. Their future goals reflect their contrasting personalities: Yaretzi’s bubbly, creative nature compared to Jose’s more serious mindset. Yet their relationship remains steady and supportive.
One day, Yaretzi hopes to attend fashion school and become a designer or pursue a career in art or animation. This year, she even started Granite Hills’ first-ever Theater Club. Jose plans to pursue a four-year degree in a STEM field, with the goal of beginning a professional career in the future.
Ten years from now, both hope to maintain the close relationship they’ve shared their entire lives. As their high school chapter comes to an end, their futures look bright. They continue to support each other’s dreams despite the occasional sibling bickering over Yaretzi’s ever-growing doll collection.
