Ten years ago, former star player for the Queen's Royal College (QRC) football team Jared Penny took a leap of faith to become a radio personality and influencer.

His quick wit and charm earned him the adoration of listeners, as it complemented the talents of top soca acts with whom he has shared the stage.

While he has made a name for himself during his decade in the entertainment industry, Penny, better known by his moniker Major Penny, insists he is still a work in progress.

Speaking with Sunday Newsday at his Barataria home on Thursday, Penny, 28, reflected on his journey from the football field to the stage and how his brand of entertainment fits into a post-pandemic TT.

Born and raised in Barataria, Penny's fondness for the arts and entertainment began at a relatively early age guided by his parents who nurtured his passions.

With his father, Peter, a steelpan enthusiast and his mother, Martha, passionate about Carnival, Penny developed a deeper appreciation for music and the culture.

"I think I was around it for a lot of time especially when I got into St George's there would always be plays and performances no matter the season. It was a very cultural school.

"I always used to take part as well because I used to be involved in African drums.

"I would always be in the music room if you were looking for me."

[caption id="attachment_938283" align="alignnone" width="682"] Jared Penny followed his passion to be an entertainer and influencer. Photo courtesy Jared Penny -[/caption]

Penny attended St George's College for the first five years of secondary school where he befriended future soca artistes and collaborators Aaron St Louis (Voice) and Erphaan Alves even competing against the former in the school's soca competition one year.

Surrounded by budding entertainers, Penny sharpened his chops for performing while also dividing his attention between football training and schoolwork.

Like most parents, Penny said his mother made it clear that his academic performance was a top priority.

His father, he said, was more relaxed and encouraged him to pursue his passions to the fullest.

"Mommy was very strict on me going to school and following through on certain things from primary school to George's, to QRC days, that was Mummy hands down.

"Daddy was big on academics as well but he would listen to me more, so if I wanted to do sports heavier than anything else he would tell me to go ahead but mommy was the one who kept me on a certain line."

Penny credits the different approaches of both parents in developing his strong work ethic and said the need for a school that offered art in their sixth form curriculum and a strong football programme was what took him to QRC.

Like many student-athletes in the sixth form, Penny had the choice of applying for an athletic scholarship, however, this was not something that attracted him.

Not one to be confined to a particular field, Pen