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RIVALRY ENDS

Brother, sister splitting up for first time as they head for separate colleges

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  • Rubi Reyes •
  • Originally published July 8, 2008 at 5:04 p.m., updated July 8, 2008 at 5:04 p.m.

RUNGE – One chose to go east for college. The other is staying closer to home in South Texas.

One picked biomedical engineering as a course of study. The other chose nursing.

As varied as these choices might seem, this brother-sister duo brings a new meaning to sibling rivalry.

The twins led their Runge High School class as valedictorian and salutatorian.

Ryan Esparza, valedictorian, and sister Jordan Esparza, salutatorian, used that rivalry to help push each other to the top of their class.

“I have one up on her,” said Ryan, as he laughed. “But I think she would rather it be me than anyone else.”

The twins’ parents, Sally and Danny Esparza, said Ryan is the most competitive.

“They are always trying to outscore each other,” Sally said. “Ryan would win most of the time, but when Jordan would win he would be so mad.”

Competition aside, the twins agree they are each other’s better half.

“He’s better in math and science, and I’m better in English and history,” Jordan said. “We just balance each other out.”

The balance that comes so natural to them will be put to the test this fall when Ryan leaves for New York and Jordan to Corpus Christi.

“I’m so anxious,” Ryan said. “But it is going to be a little awkward not having her around.”

For the first time in 18 years they will be apart for more than just a couple of days.

“Ryan is curious and opted for the east coast, Jordan decided to stay locally,” Sally said.

Ryan will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., to major in biomedical engineering.

Jordan will attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to major in nursing and become a nurse anesthetist.

“We have a support system and use it to help each other reach the highest performance level that we could,” Jordan said. “Through phone and e-mail I think we will be able to keep it up.”

The twins used the friendly competition to excel in school and extra curricular activities.

Jordan was involved in cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and National Honor Society. She still found time her senior year to take dual credit hours at Coastal Bend College in Beeville.

Ryan also took dual credit hours in Beeville and was in National Honor Society, golf, and played football. He has 50 college credit hours.

“We are very proud of them and everything that they have accomplished,” Sally said.

Now all that’s left for them is to pack their belongings and attend their college orientations. Ryan and Jordan will have to adjust to being without their other half.

“We are both realizing that we are leaving,” Jordan said. “I tell him I’m not scared but I really am.”

“This will be the farthest we’ve ever been from each other,” Ryan said. “But we’ll be alright.”

Rubi Reyes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6578 or rreyes@vicad.com or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.



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