Puducherry: Twins get identical marks in SSLC exam

PUDUCHERRY: Fraternal twins - Julia Gomez and Sofia Gomez - from a private school here scored identical marks in the SSLC examinations much to the delight of their parents, relatives, teachers and friends. They scored an impressive 484 out of the maximum 500 marks in the examinations conducted by Tamil Nadu board.
Julia scored 99 in French, 94 in English, 95 in mathematics, centum in science and 96 in social science, while Sofia scored 97 in French, 92 in English, 98 in mathematics, 99 in science and 98 in social science. Daughters of Michael Gomez, managing director of logistics firm NACA based in the US, and Mary Magdalene Anita, a primary school teacher at Petit Seminaire HSS, the twins had been scoring almost identical marks in all examinations.
“Generally, the difference between our total scores in school exams would be about five to 10 marks. We have scored identical marks consistently. I expected 490 marks and above in the public examinations, while she (Julia) expected 495 and above, but we both could manage only 484 marks. The highlight is we scored identical marks,” said Sofia, who aspires to become an astrophysicist.
Julia aspires to pursue engineering and take up teaching. “We will opt for computer science group with mathematics, physics and chemistry in higher secondary,” said Julia.
The twins do not prefer combined study except for language papers. “We study close to three hours a day after school. We prepare individually. We prepare for language exams together,” said Julia.
They derive inspiration from late president A P J Abdul Kalam and regret they couldn’t meet him in person. Sofia considers her mother her role model, while Julia her grandmother Ursula Fernando, a retired Montessori teacher from a school in Sri Lanka, now residing with them in Puducherry.
Anita said her daughters do not go for tuition classes and attributed their academic success to their institution St Joseph of Cluny higher secondary school and teachers. “Credit for their academic success should go to the school, principal Sr Roselyn and good panel of teachers,” Anita said.