Growing in Confidence A DISCUSSION WITH IZZY PENEFIEL ’23

The beautiful part about the Sisters’ faith is that they are present in it and remain active partakers in stewardship regardless of environment. That is something admirable I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Can you speak to the all-girls’ environment at Mount de Sales Academy?

Mount de Sales’ environment cultivated a foundational understanding between myself and my peers. Navigating holiness and femininity together was a multifaceted experience we all underwent, growing from scared teens to inquisitive, confident women with a powerful drive to change the world for the better.

What was your favorite class?

My favorite class was AP Biology, where we dissected the science of the natural world itself. I want to become a veterinarian/biology researcher in the future, and the interactive classes, group projects, and meticulous lab work really pushed me to new limits.

What were some of your favorite traditions and extracurriculars?

Here, the community in the arts is so strong, and performing in the seasonal concerts is one of my most precious memories. Prior to MDSA, I was a timid performer, and while I am still anxious from time to time, the memories I have of my orchestra family and the countless performances we did together never fail to warm my heart and lift my spirits.

What is the most important thing you have learned from the Dominican Sisters?

The most important thing I have learned is that holiness is not just something studied but something lived truthfully.

How have you grown during your time at Mount de Sales?

I have grown into a confident young woman by engaging not only in rigorous course studies, but also by integrating them in faith. At first, it was quite awkward because I was Catholic and had never had any Catholic schooling or religion classes. However, I learned at MDSA that faith was a necessary component of my learning. It is my critical focal point, the purpose of why and how I conducted myself and my goals. I came to understand that I am part of something bigger, making me more determined to push myself to the limits and contribute to the world whenever I could.

The patron saint of Mount de Sales, St. Francis de Sales, encouraged us to “Be who we are, and be that perfectly well.” Can you illustrate how MDSA has fostered this belief in your life?

At MDSA, I learned to take advantage of the resources provided to me, building a curriculum that best supported my talents and challenged my weaknesses. In doing so, I became stronger, more confident, and able to embrace what I love—music, art, and science—and give it forward to my community in concerts, projects, and research.