Though they share clothes, favorite TV shows and birthdays, triplets and juniors Audrey, Lauren and Sarah Baybay are able to form their own identities while maintaining a tight family bond.
Being in the same grade at the same school for 12 years and counting, the triplets consider themselves siblings as well as best friends and classmates.
“I think being a triplet makes sibling dynamics feel a lot different. I only know my two sisters and it’s like we’re built-in best friends because of our similar ages. It feels like a family dynamic, but it’s also a best friend dynamic,” Audrey said.
Despite sharing the same last name, they each have their distinct personalities and interests. Audrey has found a hobby in painting gel nails which she practices on her sisters and Sarah enjoys baking goods for her family. Lauren is an avid TV show watcher who shares this enthusiasm with them, binging shows such as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Gilmore Girls” together.
“We’re all different in our own ways,” Sarah said. “Audrey’s a lot more social and outgoing and Lauren’s sweeter even though she’s a bit shyer. I think I can be more serious at times, I’ve kind of taken on the more responsible role.”
Family support is also a key aspect to the triplet’s dynamic. Audrey and Lauren are in Walnut’s Health Occupations Students of America and travelled to Sacramento together to compete and root for each other in its State Leadership Conferences. Audrey and Sarah both share an interest in hip hop, jazz and lyrical styled dancing at the Apex Academy of Dance, while Lauren has always been their biggest supporter.
“Lauren’s our number one cheerleader and our parents have always been super supportive since I started [dancing] when I was 4,” Sarah said. “Our parents always encourage being close to your siblings and your family. I’ve learned that it’s always going to be my sisters before anyone else.”
Like most siblings, Audrey, Lauren and Sarah have found themselves in arguments, especially about sharing items such as clothes. At the moment, Audrey and Lauren share a room as their grandparents from the Philippines are living with them for a few months. This allows them to get prepared for the day together with Sarah, but they can also be independent in activities including doing their homework or extracurriculars after school. To prevent disagreements, they have a rule where if one sibling wants to borrow or take possession of a clothing item another owns, the other will choose an item they want in exchange. By working together, they have learned a lot about remaining selfless and not taking each other’s presence for granted
“We definitely fight a lot over stupid things like sharing clothes or shoes,” Lauren said. “But it’s always small stuff, never a big argument. [I learned] definitely a lot about sharing and being grateful for being close to [Audrey and Sarah].”
However, their family-friend relation has its difficulties in a school environment. Though they have distinguishing personalities, they often find themselves grouped together because of the fact they are triplets.
“When people talk about us, they always say ‘the Baybays’ or ‘the triplets’— as a unit,” Audrey said. “[It] can be a good thing but you also can’t be your own person sometimes.”
Even if it can get frustrating, their title as triplets has its benefits. It can be something to embrace rather than a sign of being grouped together.
“I don’t mind it [being called ‘the triplets’] because that’s just how we’ve been known for so long,” Sarah said. “But even though people see us as ‘the Baybays,’ I feel like they still see us as our own [person]. I like being called ‘the Baybays.’”
No matter their disagreements or differences, the theme of family and the triplets’ love for each other will always keep them close. They are adamant to keeping their friend-sibling dynamic as they continue their schooling and pursuit in different interests.
“It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, I have the most fun time with my siblings, even if we’re just in the car, going shopping or doing anything together,” Lauren said. “We have so many inside jokes and we’re always laughing with each other. I feel like anytime I’m with them is a good time.”
