JONARL TEOPENGA
T-BAG Art Award Recipient (2016)
Spirit of Adventure Trust Scholarship (2019)
MAU ACADEMY (2019)
Kia Orana, ko Jonarl Romaley Taianuanua Teopenga toku ingoa. I come from the beautiful islands of Pukapuka and Rarotonga. I am the middle child of 12 siblings, 7 brothers & 5 sisters. Drawing has been a natural born talent that I have developed over the years. During my school years I wasn’t the brightest nor smartest kid, but I was always eager to learn new things. I attended Southern Cross Campus College for 6 years and throughout my years attending Southern Cross it has become a stepping stone for me. This is because I was a quiet person who kept to myself and didn’t really interact with others. Through my drawings, they tell my story.
I am a first year student studying at Unitec Institute of Technology, I will be studying an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Architectural studies. My intentions throughout this year is to excel in my studies to the best of my ability. In the future I see myself giving back to my parents and family, my community that has given me the necessities I need through all the struggles and hardships I’ve been through. I can finally take the lessons of my family and be the first in my family to graduate with a qualification and be the change for my younger siblings. I want to be the giant my siblings can stand on.