In Sint Maarten, where access to speech-language pathology (SLP) is a rarity, Yuvane Arjune is working to change the status quo. As a student at Florida State University (FSU)’s School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), she is leveraging her education in Florida to meet the critical needs of her hometown, with a professional vision firmly set on returning home to transform the island’s healthcare landscape.

“My drive to become a speech-language pathologist is rooted in my desire to serve the people of Sint Maarten and to bring greater awareness to the field,” Arjune said. “I want them to know that this field exists, that it is meaningful, and that they, too, can pursue it.”

St. Maarten is a Caribbean Island divided into two sides, a Dutch side, and a French side, Yuvane being from the Dutch side. She expands more on why she believes the island has a need for more Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and how she plans to return home to educate the population on this career path. She wants her community to know the meaning, impact, and growth that SLP brings.

Arjune is a double major in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Psychology. In the future, she aspires to own her own clinic or work in the medical or clinical field, since she has always been drawn to that environment. To reach these goals, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree.

“As conditions such as speech impairments, autism, and stroke-related communication challenges become more prevalent, the demand for qualified professionals continues to rise. I hope to return home not only to provide services, but also to visit local high schools to introduce students to these career options,” said Arjune.

Arjune developed a passion for SLP when she was only 15 and was later further inspired by rehabilitation professionals she observed in her personal life. Seeing other SLPs in action solidified her desire to become one herself, to make her family proud.

Arjune said, “My passion for the profession deepened in 2021 when my mom suffered a stroke. Accompanying her to therapy sessions allowed me to witness first-hand the dedication of rehabilitation professionals and the crucial role they play in recovery for stroke and heart attack patients.”

As an FSU SCSD student, Arjune expresses her gratitude to FSU for acting as a vital resource during her studies. She currently has an internship as the Resource Room Manager at FSU’s Speech and Hearing Clinic. Through her role, she has gained skills and experiences with assessments, particularly articulation, language, literacy, cognition, voice, and fluency. She expressed gratitude for being able to work closely with SLPs and graduate students.

“Florida State University has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals through their CSD program, as I get to learn directly from practicing speech language pathologists who serve as my professors, and they share their clinical experiences. On a lighter note, it has made me look forward to the day I can officially wear the FSU scrubs myself,” said Arjune.

Arjune provides some parting words of thanks to FSU and expands on what she hopes others, including her hometown, will gain from her work, emphasizing gratitude to the university.

“Florida State University has provided me with the resources and encouragement from its staff to make me feel like my goals are attainable. I carry my family, my community, and Sint Maarten with me in everything I do, and I hope my journey can show other students from smaller or underrepresented communities that their dreams are valid and achievable,” said Arjune.