Juneyci Sterlyn Delaney Astorya

Youthlink/Honey Bun High Achiever

BORN IN Costa Rica to a Costa Rican mother and a Jamaican father, 16-year-old Juneyci Sterlyn Delaney Astorya came to Jamaica when her family settled in the beautiful parish of Portland. Currently a 10th-grade student at Portland High School, she shares her love for drawing and how she has been able to express much of her sentiments through canvas and pencil.

“During the earlier years of my life, I felt somewhat trapped. There seemed to be no way for me to express myself. Drawing became that avenue for me. I started drawing when I was nine years old. I drew everything. I drew when there was strife, I drew when I was sad, I drew when I was happy. My drawings became an extension of myself. Back home, I receive no formal training. It was when I came to Jamaica that I became enrolled in a formal class at my current school. I then started drawing more meaningful pieces,” said Juneyci.

‘DRAWING AS A TOOL FOR HOPE’

“I no longer draw to merely show my emotions, but to give a complete expression of life itself. One such drawing is my piece Escape. It signifies hope. It speaks to an individual rising above circumstances, no matter how difficult the surrounding environment may be. It brings a renewed meaning to life. Some of my other pieces include Guiselle, Earsar, Life, Explosion

and Autroneil,” she continued. “My dream job is to become a pathologist. However, it remains my passion to continue inspiring others through my drawings.

It is my desire to undertake a course in art while pursuing my studies in pathology. I look forward to the adventure that lies ahead.”

Juneyci thanks the Youthlink and Honey Bun teams for embarking on a trail of rewarding students for performing well, despite tough odds. She stated that she felt great for being selected as a high achiever, but is even more grateful at seeing her friends being awarded as well.