Jerry Francis Geraldi: Art, Nature, and Adventure Unveiled at Dibber
Hailing originally from the vibrant borough of Queens, New York, Jerry Francis Geraldi stands as a multifaceted individual in the dynamic realm of education and creativity. He seamlessly blends artistry, a passion for nature, and a spirit of adventure in his roles as an assistant teacher and outdoor nature activities coordinator at Children’s International School (CIS), a 1st to 10th-grade Norwegian subsidiary of Dibber. An avid outdoorsman, skilled photographer and seasoned musician, Jerry has successfully woven together his love for photography, music, and the great outdoors into his job.
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His initial spark to work at CIS ignited when the International School opened in his local area. But he was a dedicated member of the Læringsverkstedet kindergarten family first for 17 years before he received a fortuitous call with an opportunity at CIS.
Reflecting on his early days at the Dibber School, Jerry fondly recalls the warm welcome that eased his transition into the CIS community. The supportive and helpful atmosphere allowed him to quickly feel at home. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing the students' growing appreciation for the outdoors, fostering a desire to spend more time in nature after returning from trips organized by Jerry.
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Jerry is both a mountain climber and a harmonica virtuoso since the age of 8. He attributes his musical skills to lessons from some of the greatest harmonica players in the United States. In 2001, he undertook a remarkable and physically demanding climb of the highest mountain in the Americas, Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, to support the American Lung Association, paying tribute to his father.
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Looking ahead, Jerry has ambitious plans within and beyond Dibber. He envisions furthering his education in art to better serve his students. Beyond the classroom, his passion for photography continues to drive him to inspire others to connect with nature. Influenced by legends like Sir Edmund Hillary and John Muir, Jerry dreams of using his skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the world.
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Jerry Francis Geraldi, a creative educator, often assumes the persona of “Tormod Granheim” during his classes with younger students. Transporting them to the far north of Norway, he spins imaginative tales of using household items to fend off trolls in his childhood town. The children, charmed by these whimsical stories, playfully refer to him as "Mr. Tormod," adding a touch of enchantment to their educational experience.
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Jerry also embarks on a unique project titled "The Doors of Perception." Carrying a door on his back, he encourages various people to paint it, capturing these creations in photographs. This initiative, he reveals, is a personal coping mechanism after losing his brother, a friendly neighbourhood police officer in New York.
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Each painted door in the project becomes a symbol of remembrance and celebration of Jerry's brother. While deeply rooted in personal emotions, the project takes on a broader meaning for viewers. Jerry expresses, "For the viewer of the photos, I want them to take what they need out of them, their own representation. It is for me as well as anyone who needs to drift off in a photo for a bit."
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The project is a deliberate and collaborative undertaking. Jerry emphasizes the thoughtful and cooperative nature of each door's creation. "It is a long process with no rush," he notes, with every door meticulously planned and executed with the assistance of friends who contribute to bringing his envisioned door to life in various settings.
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Jerry's philosophy on work-life balance revolves around finding personal hobbies and interests. Advocating for the "in-between time," he encourages others to start pursuing their passions, as life goes by quickly. His commitment to giving back is evident in his use of photography to raise awareness about environmental issues, as well as his fundraising efforts for causes close to his heart.
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As the year draws to a close, Jerry's holiday wishes for 2023 are, a surprise visit to his family in the States and a heartfelt desire for everyone to have a joyous holiday season. With a heart full of aspirations and a spirit of adventure, Jerry Francis Geraldi continues to inspire and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere at Dibber’s Children’s International School.