The most iconic duo on campus is by far the Salazar twins. Known for their amazing track records, unique hobbies, success in academics, close bond, and authentic personalities, seniors Ethan and Isabelle (Izzie) Salazar have created a legacy here at Ayala.
For 12 years of their life, beginning from preschool to high school, the Salazar twins have shared the exact same school schedule with each other, including identical teachers, periods, and classes, which has fostered a strong and unique relationship between the siblings.
“We are completely different people, and although we share a lot of the same attributes, we still differ in our own ways,” Ethan said. “It almost creates this Yin-Yang effect where our energies and actions create this balance and our differences help us create such a meaningful relationship.”
The twins share similar hobbies, one of which is track. From the start of freshman year, the Salazars have set an unprecedented record in the sport.
Izzie is a four-time track MVP in hurdles and jumps. Additionally, Ethan Salazar is the league champion in the 300-meter hurdles and has won MVP three times in hurdles as well as pole vault. The siblings were awarded track scholarships to Concordia University Irvine, where they will be spending their next four years.
However, the twins’ journey through high school hasn’t always been easy as their relationship has evolved over the years.
“Freshman year, we had very different social groups and everything. [Ethan] was very into makeup, and I liked skateboarding, so we didn’t really get along that well,” Izzie said. “But then freshman year, [Ethan] got bullied a bit and I would kind of stand up for him. After that we started becoming more like friends.”
They’ve also each been on separate journeys in finding individuality through hobbies.
Aside from spending time in track, Ethan is a certified sound practitioner, music producer, English enthusiast, and devoted Christian. Ethan has become passionate about spirituality whether that is through his sport or empowering others in his sound vibration business.
“This idea of running, not for yourself, but for God changed my whole reason for running track. I began to understand that by my own strength, I cannot get very far, but by the will of God, I can do all things,” Ethan said. “This was the biggest motivation and mindset that led me to attain two school records.”
During Izzie’s individual journey, she discovered her passion for math and physics. She’s also been able to immerse herself into various passions outside of school such as working towards investments, a small resell business, and music.
“It was rough, freshman year, and then I think the hardest part is honestly just being bored and that’s kind of why I started selling stuff and trying to get more jobs because I was so bored with just the everyday high school stuff,” Izzie said.
The twins’ different personalities also separate them, but nevertheless they are both known to be hardworking leaders.
“Isabelle is a very strong vocal leader who really wants all the people around her to be both successful and happy, and she will head butt her way through any obstacle to make sure that both her and the people around her have success,” Issac Cabase, AP Computer Science Principles AP Computer Science Academy and Computer Science Essentials teacher, said. “Ethan is a very good leader who takes in the emotions, the concerns of the people he’s working with and makes sure to give them a part of the decision making in the goal that they’re trying to reach as a group so that they can all be successful in reaching it there. “
As the duo prepares to graduate and start their college journey together, they continue to appreciate each other and the relationship they’ve formed with one another throughout the years.
“We both have unremitting determination and aspiration to achieve our goals,” Ethan said. “I think it’s so great that I can constantly be in an environment where determination is a key factor and where we can remind each other of what goals are and accomplish them.”
