Green Hope High School junior, Caitlin Belingon (‘25) describes herself to be an eccentric, social, straightforward and fun-loving individual. Born as a second generation immigrant in Apex, North Carolina, Belingon has always had a love for creating through a variety of mediums, including songwriting and art.
When she was a child, Belingon’s mom signed her up for piano and choir. Ever since then, Belingon has always loved music. Now, Belingon writes her own original songs; the majority revolving on experiences in her own life. Some of her original songs include Trust Fall, Glass Box Comfort Zone, Happy Ever After and Identity Crisis on Instagram.
To Belingon, music provides her with an outlet for her emotions; giving her the space to cope and reflect on things. “I can pour my heart into something I love without it interfering with the rest of my life,” stated Belingon.
When asked about who inspires her, Belingon stated, “For music inspirations, I would probably say artists like Laufey and Olivia Rodrigo. In general, Mr. Botwick, the chorus teacher at school, is a very encouraging figure in my life. As well as my piano teacher and other choral director outside of school.”
Although Belingson writes straight forward pop or alternative music, she enjoys indie rock music most of all. Some of her favorite bands include ABBA, Fall Out Boy, Lovejoy and The F16s. Currently, Belingon is learning how to play the electric guitar.
At school, Belingon participates in Green Hope’s Chorus Club and represents Green Hope in North Carolina Honors Chorus in the 2023-24 school year.
For Belingon, it is important to learn from others that are passionate about what they do. Even in school, her favorite subjects are ones with enthusiastic teachers; Psychology and Spanish are two of her favorite subjects at school outside of chorus.
Aside from music, Belingon picked up digital art as a hobby during the pandemic and enjoys styling her clothes. Out of all aesthetics, the coquette pink and white aesthetic to style herself in.
“Some people say it matches me perfectly because of the brighter colors that represent my social butterfly energy, but some have told me otherwise. Regardless, I don’t mind whatever someone may think of my style,” stated Bellingon.
Outside of her artistic endeavors, Belingon loves to cafe hop, hang out with her friends and hit the gym. “Crema Coffee is my go-to cafe that I’d suggest anyone to visit, but Cafe Soul Cups, Brew Coffee Bar, and Wake Oasis Coffee are also ones I’d highly recommend,” added Bellingon.
When asked about her short term and long term goals, Belingon put emphasis on her musical aspirations and the people around her, “My short term goal would be releasing my first album! For the long term I would probably be maintaining the friends I have right now and also just tending to all of my hobbies.”
Regardless of where the future may take Belingon she hopes to continue pursuing her dreams and doing the things that make her happy. Whether that be songwriting, cafe hopping or hanging out with her friends, it is these little things in life that continue to motivate her as a whole.
