UVI Student Spotlight - Yolande Longmore Richards

For 18 years, Yolande Longmore Richards was a dedicated teacher, beginning her career in Jamaica and relocating to the Virgin Islands to teach on St. Croix. But a major life change caused her to shift course to a new career where she would be able to help people in new ways. After giving birth to her daughter in 2017, Yolande experienced postpartum depression and went for a long period without getting help. "I had no knowledge of the illness and not much support," she recalls. She eventually overcame the depression and wanted to help other women who were going through it. "I know what it's like to need help, so I decided to be a person that can help others."

As a full-time UVI sophomore in the School of Nursing, Yolande is working hard towards that goal and already making a difference. In addition to her full course load, she is gaining hands-on experience doing clinicals at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital where she has earned a reputation for her caring and compassionate attitude.


After finishing the program, Yolande hopes to become a theatre nurse working in the operating room or possibly continuing her studies to become an anesthesiologist. 

"The nursing program is not easy, but I have developed a fearless mentality," she explains. "Our professors are good and take you out of your comfort zone to help you grow. With strength from God, and the strong support of my husband, classmates and professors, I am able to keep going."