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Jabari Fraser comes from strong media stock but when it came to selecting a career, he was clear that he was going to do what he loved. He eventually went on to study languages and culture at university, became a certified interpreter and then became a journalist. The mango doh fall far from the tree right? Now, he is in a job that challenges him and marries his passions and loves. However, his greatest joy is being a father to his children. This is what he told us:

“I loved learning them”

While attending Queen’s Royal College, I was formally introduced to foreign languages and developed a huge love for them. My mother was a teacher and encouraged me. Reading was also a favorite pastime and in the vacation period during Form 5 and Form 6, I interned at the Guardian newspapers. Instead of applying to join the company on a full-time basis after secondary school, I decided to go to The UWI, St Augustine where I read for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies with Spanish and Portuguese. The Latin American Studies programme allowed me to read and deepen my knowledge of other areas of interest – languages, history, international relations, art and culture. This was the ideal degree to match my loves.  Wanting to take my language skills to another level, I lived and worked in Colombia for a year and then returned to Trinidad to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Interpreting Techniques. Though intense, this is a great programme for language lovers to pursue.

“The mango doh fall far from the tree”

After working part time at the Guardian for a few years while I studied, I decided to go into media on a full-time basis. CNMG (as it was called back then) was my first place of employment, after which I moved on to TV6, staying there for four years. Many people believed that since my father was a career journalist, I would have automatically wanted to follow in his footsteps. But, while my father has inspired me greatly, he only encouraged me to enter the world of media when he realised that I was genuinely interested in it. Since “the mango doh fall far from the tree” and I grew up seeing him in action, I guess it was only natural for me to follow that path.

“I loved bringing the stories of ordinary people, doing extraordinary things to wider audiences”

When I first entered media, I had no profound interest in news. My interest was sport. I realised soon after that I loved bringing the stories of ordinary people, doing extraordinary things to wider audiences. Not in a selfish way to exploit people but I felt that the everyday struggles and challenges that people faced, should be published and posted so that everyone would see that we have many similar experiences and challenges. I enjoyed showcasing people’s achievements and the things that they did to help and impact others. Strangely enough, I also enjoyed engaging politicians and public figures: demanding answers and holding them accountable for the work that they are supposed to be doing for people. Conducting investigations, analysing and reporting critically on politics and culture were also great experiences. I really loved working in the media and I had lots of memorable experiences, too many to choose a favourite.

Having the skills and fortitude to make it through

From media, I began working in development communications at the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). The hectic schedule didn’t allow me the headspace nor the time to get a lot of (private) interpreting and translation done. The good thing about that job, however, is that the ACS is a regional organisation with members from all around the greater Caribbean and the official languages are English, Spanish and French so I do a lot of translation as part of my day-to-day work, unlike when I was working as a journalist. In this role, I was required to function, interact and produce content in English and Spanish all the time. This job has taken me on a journey, doing all the things I enjoy… asking questions, reading, telling stories, analysing, interacting with different cultures and languages and learning new things and skills all the time. I am always looking for new opportunities to combine them all, improve and expand my skills.

It’s amazing though, how our journeys are sometimes not how we imagined them. Did I think that I would be working in this field? I would say no. In fact, this profession wasn’t really on my radar. I think this career found me, quite unexpectedly really. Yes, I have had challenges along the way and there is always some doubt that slips in sometimes, but the key is learning to back yourself and trust that you have the skills and fortitude to make it through.

Their first mentor

My life thus far, has been filled with learning opportunities which have paved the way for me to be a father. I have two very energetic little boys. I dedicate a lot of time to them because I want to be their first mentor. I want to give them the groundings that they will need for life. Being a good father is the most important thing I will do in this life. Currently, there are too many negative stereotypes of black men who have children.  I am not actively engaged in trying to break any pattern nor partially erase the stereotype but I am focused on being the best father I can possibly be. I am dedicated to them in all ways. I hug and kiss them with the same vigour that I scold. We play with the same intensity that we read and do work. I always received love from my parents. My sisters and my big family – aunts, uncles and cousins openly gave love. Now as a father, I understand how important it is for parents to show love to their children. A present and committed father can make such a difference in the lives of children. I hope to live to see them become the best versions of themselves, whatever those are. I try hard not to impose my adult expectations and thoughts onto them.

My strong desire to be a mentor to my children is based on the fact that I have had many mentors along the way. I got a lot of support from my parents, who were always there for me and fortunately, I have the privilege of having them as mentors, even to this day. I have also had professional mentors and colleagues around my age who inspire me and push me.

Mentorship is essential

Maybe I am talking from a position of privilege because I have had great models and mentors – in my family, my teachers and people who were my superiors professionally. But, I really think having a good mentor at home sets you on the right path to look for good mentors outside of the home. For men and more specifically, black men, there are many good role models in T&T but it may be difficult to hear their stories and pick them out from the noise. They may also not have a position of prominence among all the other things that go on in the country but they do exist. To the men who think they are equipped to mentor others, I urge you to make an effort to be available to others, share your experiences, perspectives and knowledge with the younger ones. They need us!

Give yourself time!

To the young people going through this life, wondering what to do in the years to come, I want to tell you to be patient. Give yourself time! It will be a difficult journey, working, living, trying to figure out life along the way. You are not the first and certainly not the last to be in this situation. Find some help. Figure out what you enjoy doing and find the mentors who are relevant. Upgrade your skills and work hard. The combination of these things may help you confront any disadvantages or obstacles that may be in your way.

If foreign languages are your thing and they give you joy, go ahead and learn them. Don’t be bothered by what others may say. Learning a foreign language is such an enriching experience and introduces you to new cultures. Having another language in your skill bank also makes you far better equipped, for anything… and that is not only if you wish to pursue it as a career.

And if languages really aren’t your thing, just be bold in whatever you do!