Philippe Izedian ’19

Alumni Voices

Philippe Izedian ’19

Beaver Reflections:
I graduated from Beaver in 2019 and started in 7th grade. It was an incredible 6 years; I loved it. I came into Beaver not being a strong student whatsoever, and that first year or so was a big wake-up call for me. My poor skills and habits were not going to cut it at a school like Beaver. However, it was nice to know that I wouldn’t be fighting alone because of the fantastic community around me. My peers, faculty, and staff helped propel me forward. In Upper School, one of my favorite teachers was Ms. Morillo, in the Spanish department. I remember getting into a mini-fight with her regarding some minute calendar technicality. Although we sparred a bit in class, she was not rude about it and actually sent me an email respecting the fact I spoke up. This goes to show that the teachers at Beaver do not think they are above the students and will respect the students they are teaching. It’s a beautiful, more egalitarian process. Also, one of the activities that I really enjoyed was running. I did cross country, and although there were many days I dreaded going, it instilled in me the importance of consistency. I also joined the 13.1 club, where students run a half marathon. For that club, I have Dr. Livingston to thank for pushing and supporting me. There are too many names to list here, but Beaver is filled with some of the most remarkable people I have ever encountered, and I am beyond grateful to have spent time in the community. I owe more to the school than I could ever encapsulate with words. My goal then and now has been to chase being better and continue improving every day. Beaver has helped me and allowed me to chase after my goal.

What is #happeningnow in your life:
I recently finished my second year of college at Duke University. I am majoring in Environmental Sciences & Policy and have been conducting some research outside the classroom. I’ve also been dedicating a great deal of time to soul searching and finding out what I am really interested in. I decided to take the spring semester away from campus, because all my classes were online anyway, and was fortunate enough to take a road trip across the nation. I loved connecting with people from all different parts of our vast country and spending some time alone. This summer, I took some summer courses, read some books, and went on a few solo trips. It has been nice to travel again as I was home for a bit more than I would like.

“My time at Beaver was life-changing. I, with the support of the community, was able to elevate myself academically, connect with people, and learn how to work, think, and fail.”
– Philippe Izedian ’19

Advice to Beaver students:
When we encounter people from outside the community who don’t necessarily have the same mindset as you do because they haven’t been a part of a Beaver-like community, be kind to them and try to understand where they are coming from. Taking in their different perspective, upbringing, education, and set of life experiences can be a valuable iron-sharpening-iron experience. Sometimes in society, we are quick to judge or shy away from other ideas, and I caution you to take a step back and look at life from various angles. I know I have been guilty of dismissing ideas different from my own, but I have benefitted immensely from being conscious about not doing that anymore.

Beaver Country Day School admits qualified students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin or ethnicity to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin or ethinicity in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, athletic or other school-administered programs or policies.