DEVIN HAYNES, OAK9 BLACK

Before joining our Intensive Immersion Program, Devin Haynes (Oakland Cohort 9 Hidden Genius Alum) considered himself an ‘antisocial’ person, sharing “Even the thought of speaking in public gave me great anxiety.” While discovering his passion for video creation during the pandemic, Devin stepped outside of his comfort zone and honed his skills for public speaking and networking, which gave him the confidence to land an internship with The Hidden Genius Project as a Content Creation Intern. Now completing his first semester as a Computer Science and Engineering major at the University of California, Merced, Devin is thrilled to start his job as a Video Content Producer for their Athletic Department next semester.

How have you been? 

I have been doing well for myself as I’ve been going to the gym and eating a much cleaner diet. The academic part has been an adjustment for me, but I have built better habits to keep myself disciplined. I have also learned how to manage my time better when it comes to juggling school and my personal life. 

I am also excited about starting my new job on campus as a video content producer for the athletics department at the University of California, Merced. I would not have landed this opportunity without the support and guidance of The Hidden Genius Project, especially Elizabeth (Communications and Marketing Associate) and Denzel (Communications Manager) for helping me through the interview process. 

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I found out about The Hidden Genius Project from my high school basketball teammate, Rahsaan Young Jones (OAK7 Hidden Genius Alum). He knew I was interested in technology so he recommended The Hidden Genius Project to me. I was very intrigued by his proposal and during that time of my life I didn’t know what I wanted to do regarding my future, so the decision to join was a no-brainer for me.

What was your experience in the program like?

I enjoyed the many different learning opportunities in the program. The Hidden Genius Project trained us to be more versatile and learn many different subjects beyond coding, such as audio and video production, and computer hardware. This teaching style helped me and my brothers not be one-dimensional with our knowledge and skills. 

I remember when I first visited the Richmond site as we returned to in-person programming after being on Zoom for so long. It was very awkward for the first few hours. However, everything changed when we started a huge basketball 3v3 tournament during lunchtime. It broke the ice between the Oakland and Richmond Geniuses and we were all having fun. The rest of programming that day became more enjoyable because I was able to make new friends. It was cool because we had more in common than we thought when it came to sports, video games, and other hobbies.

Before I joined The Hidden Genius Project, I was always a very shy person. So, the biggest challenge I faced was learning how to be more social while attending the program remotely and in person as I was very uncomfortable talking to my peers. Even the thought of speaking in public gave me great anxiety and frightened me to the point where I never wanted to try to get better. 

I am thankful because The Hidden Genius Project helped me overcome my fear of being antisocial. My educators would give me tasks and assignments that included working on group projects and presenting in front of my class. These activities gave me the confidence to overcome my fear of public speaking. Now, I am less anxious when put into situations where I may have to speak to a large group of people. 

Describe the app you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.

My website, called DevCuts was designed to help aspiring video creators learn the key steps of video production. From pre-production to the final edits, this app allows people who are new to video production to get access to resources that can help them become great video editors. I was inspired to create DevCuts because I was genuinely curious about video creation during the pandemic. I ended up learning as much as I could on my own and started to create a whole bunch of YouTube videos.

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you? 

I would say that networking, web design, empathy, and communication were the biggest skills I’ve learned in The Hidden Genius Project. Outside of understanding how to create a website from scratch, my communication and networking skills gave me the confidence to talk to Dr. Brandon Nicholson (CEO) about my passion for video creation. He then introduced me to Denzel Russell (Communications Manager) who gave me the opportunity to work as a Content Creation Intern this past summer. 

During my time in the program, I also learned how to be more empathetic. Many of my fellow Geniuses and mentors come from different backgrounds and upbringings. Hearing their stories made me more empathetic to their experiences and I’ve been able to learn from them. You never really know what someone has gone through which is why you always have to treat everyone with respect and kindness. 

What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level (development, relationship, community, etc.) from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?

The most important thing I gained is the relationships I have developed at The Hidden Genius Project. The people at the organization genuinely care about my future and are always making sure I have the resources I need to be successful.

How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?

I believe my path would be much different if I had not participated in the program. I was able to apply all of the experience and learnings I’ve gained in the program to my college applications, which helped me get into the University of California, Merced. I also wouldn’t have been able to land my first job as a Content Creator Intern at The Hidden Genius Project this past summer. The experience from that internship helped me land my second job at UC Merced as a Video Producer for the athletics department. I am excited to get the chance to make video content for my school’s sports teams this coming semester which is really cool. 

When you imagine yourself before starting The Hidden Genius Project, what’s different between that version of you and the current version?

The difference between me before the program and after is night and day. I have knowledge of the workforce and the skills needed to navigate through this new chapter of my life in college. Before I joined The Hidden Genius Project, I was very lost in terms of what I wanted to do with my life, and now I want to become a digital marketer and video producer. 

After graduating from The Hidden Genius Project, I saw a whole new world of possibilities that would show me a path I could follow that would help me be successful. By participating in the organization as a Genius, you get exposed to many different career paths and ventures which ultimately started my interest in video production. I’m also very grateful to have an amazing father who has helped guide me through my childhood and held me to a higher standard.

In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?

I did an internship at The Hidden Genius Project this past summer as a Content Creator Intern. In this role, I learned how to direct myself through the whole progression of producing content from beginning to end. I created 8 videos that had over 11,500 views that summer which was pretty cool. It has given me the confidence to keep going and work hard.

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?

I would tell myself to trust the process and go to every event regarding the program. You never know who you’re going to meet or have a conversation with. 

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?

The Hidden Genius Project was created to help kids find their path and give them the resources and knowledge they need to succeed. So if you want that for yourself then you are in the correct place and in great hands.