USM Alumna Veronica Browne Inspires CFY Students
November 4, 2026
USM alumna and Telem Group manager Veronica Browne encouraged CFY students to value their education, develop professional habits and prepare themselves for the opportunities ahead.
University of St. Martin (USM) alumna and Telem Group manager Veronica Browne returned to USM to deliver an inspiring pep talk to students enrolled in the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) program.
Browne shared her personal educational and professional journey, explaining that after graduating from St. Maarten Academy, she initially wanted to leave the island to pursue her studies abroad. However, she began her college education at USM in 1989 and later came to appreciate how valuable that decision was to her development.
Starting her studies at home allowed her to transition from high school to college while remaining within the support of her family. After completing two years at USM, she transferred to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where she continued her education and eventually earned a master’s degree in management.
Browne explained that the academic foundation, discipline and experience she gained at USM helped prepare her for the opportunities that followed. Before returning to St. Maarten, she gained professional experience in the United States, including working in a supervisory position within a large customer-service operation. Upon returning home, she taught at St. Maarten Academy before beginning what has become a 27-year career with Telem Group.
Throughout the session, Browne encouraged the CFY students to recognize the value of the opportunity they currently have and to treat their education as their most important job.
She spoke openly about the habits and behaviors that can influence their success, including punctuality, attendance, time management, positive thinking and personal responsibility. She reminded the students that college requires a different level of maturity and commitment from high school and encouraged them to approach their assignments, lessons and responsibilities with greater effort.
Browne also emphasized the importance of professional presentation and first impressions. She encouraged the students to walk, speak and dress professionally, explaining that the way they present themselves today will help shape how they are viewed in future academic and professional environments.
Students were reminded to make use of the resources available to them, including online learning tools, and to go beyond the minimum level expected of them. Browne also invited the students to share what they hope to become and connected their career interests to the importance of education, preparation and being able to market their skills effectively.
“Your job is to come here and do your very best,” Browne told the students, encouraging them to approach each day with positivity and purpose.
The interactive session gave students an opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the connection between their current habits and their future goals. Browne concluded by encouraging them to arrive on time, maintain a positive attitude and take full advantage of their time in the CFY program.
USM thanked Browne for returning to her alma mater and investing her time in the next generation of students. She was presented with a token of appreciation following the session.
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Browne shared her personal educational and professional journey, explaining that after graduating from St. Maarten Academy, she initially wanted to leave the island to pursue her studies abroad. However, she began her college education at USM in 1989 and later came to appreciate how valuable that decision was to her development.
Starting her studies at home allowed her to transition from high school to college while remaining within the support of her family. After completing two years at USM, she transferred to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where she continued her education and eventually earned a master’s degree in management.
Browne explained that the academic foundation, discipline and experience she gained at USM helped prepare her for the opportunities that followed. Before returning to St. Maarten, she gained professional experience in the United States, including working in a supervisory position within a large customer-service operation. Upon returning home, she taught at St. Maarten Academy before beginning what has become a 27-year career with Telem Group.
Throughout the session, Browne encouraged the CFY students to recognize the value of the opportunity they currently have and to treat their education as their most important job.
She spoke openly about the habits and behaviors that can influence their success, including punctuality, attendance, time management, positive thinking and personal responsibility. She reminded the students that college requires a different level of maturity and commitment from high school and encouraged them to approach their assignments, lessons and responsibilities with greater effort.
Browne also emphasized the importance of professional presentation and first impressions. She encouraged the students to walk, speak and dress professionally, explaining that the way they present themselves today will help shape how they are viewed in future academic and professional environments.
Students were reminded to make use of the resources available to them, including online learning tools, and to go beyond the minimum level expected of them. Browne also invited the students to share what they hope to become and connected their career interests to the importance of education, preparation and being able to market their skills effectively.
“Your job is to come here and do your very best,” Browne told the students, encouraging them to approach each day with positivity and purpose.
The interactive session gave students an opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the connection between their current habits and their future goals. Browne concluded by encouraging them to arrive on time, maintain a positive attitude and take full advantage of their time in the CFY program.
USM thanked Browne for returning to her alma mater and investing her time in the next generation of students. She was presented with a token of appreciation following the session.
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