Profile of the Week: Breanna Clayton

Syd, left, Blair and Breanna Clayton: Submitted Photo

Coming from Johnstown, Colorado, and pursuing both exercise science and psychology majors, freshman and triplet Breanna Clayton is ready to conquer her college career.

She runs for the university’s cross country team and participates in the OU Student Senate, Be Brave and Hungry for Change. She also is a tutor for the Community in Schools program and is a member of FCA.

Aside from her level of involvement, Clayton is a new level of unique, as there are two other humans that look quite a bit like her back in Colorado.

“The bond of being a triplet is different and hard to explain,” says Clayton about brother Blair and sister Syd. 

“I can really tell when something is going on with Blair and Syd. I just have this feeling, I guess. We used to talk to each other in ‘baby talk’ when we were young. We would be like any other siblings -- just that I am really close to them. (We are) able to talk about anything. We can look at one another and know what that look means. We can comfort each other when no one else can.” 

Being a triplet, Clayton is used to the typical questions about having not only one, but two doppelgangers. The twins are fraternal. The three still look incredibly similar, however, and Clayton explains that they have way more in common than just appearance.

“We can comfort each other when no one else can. We will fight but can’t stay mad at each other for long. I was blessed to be born with my two built-in playmates, and now best friends for life. We are very protective of one another -- probably more than regular siblings,” Clayton says.

Clayton describes difficult and frustrating parts to being a triplet, as it’s not all a bed of roses. Nonetheless, she says that she never gets tired of seeing people’s reactions and hearing their responses to finding out she is one of three.

“Everyone grouped us together growing up. They all think that you have to like the same things and have to do the same things. For example, coming to OU I have been asked why my siblings didn’t come with me. It’s hard to be seen as an individual,” she says.

“I am the sporty one, always working out and being active. I try really hard and care a lot about school. I left home, and they haven’t. I think I am a little more mature than them at moments. I am the more outgoing of the three of us. I was very involved in lots of clubs and activities.” 

With countless memories and stories, Breanna Clayton is one of a kind -- if you do not include her triplet siblings, that is. Look for her on campus to hear more of her adventures about what it is like to be one of three.