Pursuing a Passion with Laser Focus
By Aidan Scholten ‘25
I always knew that I wanted to do something creative, but it wasn’t until early high school that things started to fall into place. That’s when I picked up a camera and started experimenting with automotive photography—what was once a hobby quickly turned into something more serious. As I started to master light, composition, and editing software, I found how much I loved visual storytelling. That interest led me to examine media arts more closely, and that’s when TMU’s Image Arts program first came onto my radar screen. It looked like the perfect combination of everything I was interested in. I started aligning everything I did with the goal, not in a forced way but because I genuinely wanted to get better at the things I loved.
I always knew that I wanted to do something creative, but it wasn’t until early high school that things started to fall into place. That’s when I picked up a camera and started experimenting with automotive photography—what was once a hobby quickly turned into something more serious. As I started to master light, composition, and editing software, I found how much I loved visual storytelling. That interest led me to examine media arts more closely, and that’s when TMU’s Image Arts program first came onto my radar screen. It looked like the perfect combination of everything I was interested in. I started aligning everything I did with the goal, not in a forced way but because I genuinely wanted to get better at the things I loved.
In hindsight, I consider myself lucky to have found a passion so early on. It gave me clarity. While some were still figuring out what they loved to do, I already had direction, and that made the whole post-secondary application process a little more focused, even when it got chaotic.
I think the moment it really clicked for me was when I realized I wasn’t just enjoying the process but thinking about it constantly—even outside of the actual shoots or edits. I’d find myself noticing the world differently, how light would hit certain surfaces or how movement could tell a story within a single frame. The more I did it, the more I felt I was heading in the right direction—not just creatively, but personally as well. It’s no longer about simply taking photos or making media; it’s about chasing that feeling of capturing something real and creating stories that connect with other people. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a phase but a direction I was meant to pursue.
Throughout my experiences, I’ve adapted to new opportunities and kept pushing myself to grow, and CDS has played a big role in that. It’s helped me build leadership skills and gain confidence, especially through my role as a Student Communications Coordinator this year. That position allowed me to combine my passion for photography with a “real-world” responsibility, giving me the chance to contribute to school events and sharpen my creative eye behind the camera.
On top of that, the Communications Technology courses have expanded my technical knowledge and helped me experiment with different styles and equipment, which has only pushed me further in my work. One of the things I’m most proud of is the creation of my final Film Studies project - “Last Day” - which Mr. Viotto encouraged me to share with my fellow graduating year students after our final assembly last week. All of these experiences at CDS have supported my goal of turning my passion into something more—something I can carry forward with purpose.
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Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
