“It’s basically like having a built-in friend.” That’s how Diego Ruiz describes life with his twin brother Oscar. “Even though we have our differences, it’s easy to have someone to go to and who’s always there for you,” he said.
Today, the twins are heading into promising futures as they prepare to graduate together from Westlake High School. As first-generation college students, they’re striving for success to make their parents proud. “Succeeding academically is how I want to not only help myself, but help my family,” Oscar said.
They’ve also been actively working to help their fellow students achieve their academic goals. Westlake High School has an AVID college-readiness program that was threatened by budget cuts. The twins decided to help by starting an AVID support club that would raise money to keep the program going strong. During their senior year, the brothers recruited members, held elections, and became the club’s first co-presidents.
The club held food sales and fundraisers that went toward college field trips for AVID students. It also gave students the opportunity to gain confidence by taking on leadership roles. “For a lot of people who applied, it was their first time learning what it’s like to be in a leadership position,” Diego said. “That’s something that I think is essential in college.”
The twins are incredibly grateful to Westlake math teacher David Pulsipher, who helped them start the AVID club and guided them in their own college aspirations. “He has definitely dealt with a lot of our shenanigans, but he has allowed me to get this amazing opportunity to go to a really amazing college,” Oscar said. Mr. Pulsipher connected Oscar to the QuestBridge program, which is providing him with a full-ride scholarship to Bowdoin College in Maine. He also introduced Diego to dual enrollment programs that allowed him to take college-level courses. “The only way I could have gotten all these college credits while still being in high school was because of him,” Diego said.
Diego and Oscar share a passion for the outdoors that started as kids on family camping trips to Sequoia National Park. Their interest in environmental sustainability grew in high school thanks to Westlake environmental science teacher Jennifer Boyd. “Ms. Boyd has helped me cultivate and further develop that love for the environment,” remarked Oscar. The brothers participate in the Environmental Action Project, where they help clone native plants to revegetate local hillsides. Diego loves knowing he’s making a long-term impact. “What we did at first may seem small, but these plants will still be growing years and years after we’ve graduated,” Diego said.
Oscar is excited to attend Bowdoin College, which has an extensive environmental science program. He hopes to start a career in environmental science or policy. Thanks to the college credit he earned in high school, Diego plans to spend just one year at Moorpark College before transferring to UC Berkeley. His goal is to become a lawyer specializing in environmental or immigration issues.
As they prepare to head their separate ways after high school, Oscar and Diego remain united in their gratitude to their parents and their determination to make a positive impact on the world.