WITH his recent victory in the 2010 season of the Heineken Green Synergy competition, Jerry Whyte counts himself lucky. It is an achievement that brings him one step closer to fulfilling his career dream of being a world-class disc jockey.

“It feels really good to be the champion. I want everyone to know that this achievement did not come easy. I have been trying at it since 2003 and I came second in 2006. This time around, I am the champion and I am very proud of myself,” the elated 29-year-old told Career & Education.

In the same breath, he noted his appreciation and gratitude to God and the Jamaican voters for making it happen.

Whyte began to take juggling music seriously after leaving his alma mater Tarrant High School and for the past 14 years, he has committed to teaching himself the skill.

“I (began to take) dejaying seriously when I was 16 years old and my stage name DJ Jerry came naturally from my Christian name,” he related to Career & Education. “Growing up in the community of Cassia Park, I used to hang around the elders who played the sound system. I watched, listened, observed, and practised and made records in my mind of a few things.”

Whyte, who exudes humility, said he was not able to achieve much academically due to the financial constraints faced by his parents. However, pursuing his dream as a disc jockey has proven a saving grace. It is the effort put into realising that dream that landed him the Green Synergy top prize of $500,000 — a portion of which he now intends to use to help further his education.

“I want to go back to school and begin advancing myself. It’s not too late for me to start going back to school. I’m going back with some of my cash prize because I really want to work on a radio station. Without a solid educational background, it is real sticky for a DJ,” he said smiling.

Whyte, one of eight children for his parents, added that he considers himself destined to make his family, and in particular his mother, proud. He noted that for the next few years, he intends to do some travelling to play for a variety of audiences. But before that, he is to begin an internship with a local radio station, the prospect of which excites him.

“I am anxious about my internship that I will be starting soon at Fame FM. I have already been sharpening my skills. I hope to display my utmost potential and I hope the listeners will be satisfied with me,” he said.

Whyte added that his hope is that his stint with the station will open other doors for him, as he networks and establishes himself in the business.

In addition to the half a million dollars and the internship with Fame FM, the young man was also awarded a cellphone courtesy of telecoms provider Claro and state-of-the-art DJ equipment.

DJ 47, second-place winner in the competition, received $200,000, DJ equipment and a cellphone. The other two semi-finalists, DJ Naz and DJ Banka, each received $50,000. The finals of the competition took place on October 30 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

Meanwhile, Whyte provides useful advice for those on the road to their career goal.

“Don’t stop doing what you’re doing if you love it… Do your best at all times,” he said.