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#DSC35 Alumni

To celebrate our 35th Anniversary, we reconnected with our alumni around the world and here are some of DSC Stories that we would love to share with you! 

Stay tuned for more #DSC35 Alumni stories! 

Aanchal Bhattacharya

What do you do now?

I am currently continuing my training as a filmmaker and screenwriter. I plan to direct feature length films with future releases on streaming platforms and in movie theaters. I also currently assist my father in running his company that specializes in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I strongly believe that there is a confluence between the Arts and all other streams, and therefore my passion lies in the future of storytelling.

How did DSC inspire/prepare you to become who you are now? 

My time at DSC was extraordinary! I got to hone my skills in technology and wholly embrace creativity thanks to the curriculum. I also thoroughly enjoyed collaborative projects and working with friends and fellow classmates. The Canadian (Ontario) Curriculum is great when it comes to enriching a student's passion and ambition, and DSC became that stepping stone for me when it came to pursuing my dreams in filmmaking.

What was your journey after DSC? 

After graduating from DSC. I took a gap year and directed, edited, and produced my first short film which was sent to Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah. After my gap year, I moved to Montreal and attended McGill University where I graduated with a First Class Joint Honours Degree in History and Religious Studies. After McGill, I then moved to New York City and attended Tisch School of the Arts, New York University where I graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Cinema Studies.

Living in Montreal and New York City was a dream as these two cities provided a vista for myself whilst I continued to train in the arts. Cinema is one of the leading and most unique forms of storytelling and thus, my degrees along with the experiences of studying at these two universities, provided the necessary skills in nurturing my creativity and morph into the storyteller I've always wanted to become.

What would you like to say to our students now?

Never let go of your dreams and hold on to your passions in life. The whole world is open to you, and thus move forth at full speed ahead!

Karishma Samtani

What do you do now?

I lead the APAC Junior Talent Strategy (Early Careers, 1st 5 years post graduation) at Bank of America.

How did DSC inspire/prepare you to become who you are now? 

DSC and the teachers I had including, Ms. B. Blaney and Mr. G.Newell, played a huge role in my development and hence my success today. They supported, guided, and enabled me to challenge my boundaries and dare to dream against all odds!

What was your journey after DSC? 

After I left DSC, I went to University of Nottingham for a year in the hope to pursue a degree in Psychology, but due to personal reasons I had to return. This time however I decided I would not give up, and so I took up some odd jobs just to make money and continue my education! I worked and studied through the years, started my own venture in events & entertainment that went bust. I then joined a bank in their Campus Recruitment Team coordinating their events and marketing efforts. I worked hard, learnt as many skills as I could, and worked my way to where I am today.

What would you like to say to our students now?

Believe in yourself and dare to dream! When in doubt, surround yourself with sincere advocates, those who will only be happy to see you succeed. When you are unsure of something, raise your hand, seek help and advice, you will be surprised how many people are willing to help! Take every opportunity that comes your way, no task is too big or menial. Every task has something to teach you, so if you keep an attitude of lifelong learning, you are bound to only grow! Last, but the most important one is to always have gratitude in your heart for all the experiences you have.

Cheyelene Fontanilla Singh

What do you do now?

I'm currently the editor of a lifestyle publication in Hong Kong, where I run and oversee one of its four print magazines.

How did DSC inspire/prepare you to become who you are now? 

DSC raised me to understand that everyone has different upbringings and backgrounds, and that there is so much to be celebrated in our differences. I had classmates from all over the world, but we were all taught to treat each other with love and respect. It's a lesson I've taken with me through every formative experience since DSC.

What was your journey after DSC? 

I went to university in Hong Kong, where I obtained a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Media. Then, I interned at an APAC co-working company where I was given a full time job creating content focused on the entrepreneurial community. I wrote articles, conducted live interview events, and ran point on content marketing. That position landed me the opportunity to run a magazine at Hong Kong Living Limited.

What would you like to say to our students now?

Don't rush to the future. As appealing as it seems to have your own freedom as an adult, there's no feeling like the endless possibilities of being a student. The world is completely open to you. You get to create who you want to be. Don't squander the chance to decide who you want to become, especially when you're in an environment that supports your growth and pursuit of fulfilling your potential. Every decision you make now will have an effect on the life you'll live after school. Make the most of every dance, every open day, every talent show, every sports day and every class. You'll look back at it with nothing but fondness when it's all over.

Ian Lo

What do you do now?

I’m currently studying for a master's degree in Aviation Management at the University of New South Wales in Australia

How did DSC inspire/prepare you to become who you are now? 

DSC prepared my academic skills at a university level, my time In DSC also taught me some useful social skills with different cultures, and inspired me that there’s always the next step in everything we do.

What was your journey after DSC? 

After I graduated from DSC, I went to Australia to study aviation at the University of South Australia, hoping to become a pilot. However, COVID-19 hit and the aviation industry plummeted. So I have to look for an alternative way to get into the aviation industry. I thought to myself that a master's degree could expand my knowledge about the industry, that's why I chose to move forward to study my master's in aviation management.

What would you like to say to our students now?

Expect the unexpected. High school does not define you, but a process to help you define yourself. Explore more, do things that you will never get a chance to do it again, or else you will regret it.

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