In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

Geron

Geron, a 21-year-old creative from Trinidad and Tobago, feels destined for a life in the arts. From childhood, he was surrounded by music, especially hip-hop, which planted a deep-seated passion for music. By age eight, Geron was already playing instruments like the steel pan, steel drum, and trumpet. His talent was clear early on, nearly earning him a spot in the National Symphony with the trumpet at just ten years old. However, this opportunity conflicted with his exams, leading him to prioritize his academics and slowly drift away from his musical roots.

Despite his remarkable skills, Geron humbly attributes his success to the support and guidance of his teachers and parents. His involvement in his youth church choir further fueled his love for music. Horns, in particular, hold a special place in his heart, with a particular fondness for the French horn, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet.

The pandemic brought a new dimension to Geron’s creativity as he picked up spoken word poetry, which he credits with sharpening his writing and lyrical skills. This versatility in his artistic expression demonstrates his dedication to honing his craft.

He says he now realizes the arts are his purpose. “I love anything creative—music, performances, dance, anything. I really love how it helps me go into a deeper, more spiritual place. I feel like this is my purpose. Being on stage or telling some sort of story is like me being a messenger. I am very lucky and blessed to have found my purpose early in life.”

A Call to Teach

In addition to his musical pursuits, Geron is pursuing a degree in English language and literature, with aspirations to become a teacher. He sees teaching as another way to serve and convey messages, much like his work in music.

He aims to share his love for the arts and creativity with the next generation, a mission he currently fulfills as a teaching artist and life skills coordinator at an NGO. This organization engages in extensive social work, using spoken word and other creative outlets as catalysts for social change.

Taking on VERSIONS

Geron was initially hesitant to apply for the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship because he didn’t think he had enough of his own music in the world. He knew he was a musician at heart, but worried others wouldn’t take him seriously. The people around him encouraged him to apply. He realized VERSIONS could be a potential gateway back into the music industry he’d drifted away from, so he submitted his application, hoping to pursue his dream more seriously.

Geron looked forward to the community and networking opportunities. “I was really, really looking forward to the community and the networking. I was going to be around all of these young artists with similar goals to me.”

He also anticipated VERSIONS to be emotional and thought-provoking, especially given its focus on social impact. “VERSIONS reinforced the importance of history and social impact and the role it has in influencing where we come from and the change we can make.”

Standout Moments

The sessions with T, VERSIONS Creative Mentor and Life Coach, were particularly transformative for Geron. “She would insist on me celebrating myself because she realized that was something I struggled with,” he shares, highlighting a newfound ability to appreciate his own efforts and achievements.

Another standout memory is working in a professional recording studio alongside the VERSIONS Media team, who came to visit him in Trinidad. He says being in a professional recording studio was a new experience and he had a lot of fun.

Inspired by Others

VERSIONS sparked a renewed desire to pursue music in Geron. “VERSIONS lit a fire under me. It made me realize I am not taking music as seriously as I need to.” Witnessing the dedication of his peers inspired him to take his own music more seriously.

 

Leadership in Practice

As part of VERSIONS, each Fellow is guided in designing and implementing a social impact project in their communities. For his project, Geron collaborated with five local and Venezuelan artists to create an album exploring themes of discrimination, prejudice, struggle, success and happiness. This collaboration was important because Venezuelans who come to Trinidad and Tobago as refugees are often the victims of discrimination.

With this experience, Geron realized the importance of meticulous planning and adaptability. “Planning is necessary, and when plans inevitably fail, have backup plans, and when those plans fail, be good at improvisation,” he notes. His experiences in Trinidad, dealing with issues like gun violence, racism, and poverty, reinforced his belief in the critical role of social change in building and uplifting communities.

As someone who has always held social impact work in high regard, Geron knows how important it is to do more than implement band-aid solutions. “It’s incredibly important not just to build communities but build the people in those communities.”

Advice to Future Applicants and Fellows

Geron’s advice to future VERSIONS Fellows is to “enjoy the process” and make the most of every resource and opportunity.

“Live in the moment because the year passes very quickly,” he emphasizes, encouraging engagement with fellow artists and program coordinators.

Art and Social Change

For Geron, art and social change are intrinsically linked. “Music is the loudest voice we have when it comes to social change,” he asserts, acknowledging other forms of expression like spoken word and social media. He believes that art can significantly amplify social messages, extending their reach globally.

“I feel like it not only gives a mouthpiece for whatever social change artists are trying to bring about, but I feel like it has the ability to send messages across the world.”

A New Perspective

Reflecting on his journey, Geron credits VERSIONS with boosting his confidence and helping him overcome imposter syndrome. “I feel like I’ve become more confident,” he says, now feeling a strong sense of belonging in the program. This newfound confidence has reinforced his belief that with hard work and focus, he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.

“VERISONS made me feel like I could do whatever I put my mind to. As long as I put in the work and focus.”