By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Twin sisters Ebonee and Ebonea’ Harrison, 28, earned their master’s degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology from Jackson State University (JSU), accomplishing yet another major milestone together. The St. James Parish, Louisiana, natives graduated on Friday, May 1, celebrating sisterhood and stepping into a career they chose in honor of their late father.
Prior to their birth, their father endured a tragic collision with a train that left him in a week-long coma, paralyzed on one side of his body, and unable to speak due to a traumatic brain injury. Sadly, as they approached their 16th birthday, the girls and their father were caught in a devastating car accident with a drunk driver that ultimately took his life.
Growing up, the twins’ mom would play home videos and share stories about their dad’s recovery and how physical therapy and a speech pathologist were instrumental in restoring his mobility and voice back to “normal.”
“For him to be able to communicate and still be able to express himself, and take care of us, was a big thing. It was an eye-opener for us, and we wanted to come into this field based on that,” they shared. “We wanted to come into this career and change lives as well.”
Speech-language pathologists utilize tools such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), and non-verbal gestures to assist people with communicating.
“Everyone’s voice deserves to be heard no matter what, and everyone deserves a chance to communicate,” Ebonea’ shared.
While navigating the graduate program at JSU the siblings’ passion for speech-language pathology grew deeper through hands-on clinical training at facilities like Brookdale Senior Living in Clinton, Methodist Rehabilitation and Smart Therapy, LLC, Pediatric Rehabiliation Clinic.
The twins learned to service children and adult clients who ranged from being non-verbal, blind, hearing impaired, and autistic, or suffered from dementia, strokes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and more.
Both Ebonee and Ebonea’ believe that interacting directly with patients was a clear reminder of the role they hope to serve in Jackson and communities throughout Louisiana.
“Being in our clinical placements showed us how hard it is for some people to communicate, and the big role we play in their lives to help them communicate,” said Ebonee. “Communication is essential for life, and everyone should be able to communicate in some aspect.”
Ebonee and Ebonea’ look forward to what’s next. They currently have over three job offers at the same skilled nursing facility, pediatric clinic, and elementary school.
“I love this field, and being here really made me love it even more. It didn’t sway me away,” said Ebonea’. “I learned a ton at Jackson State University that I don’t think I would have learned anywhere else.”
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Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu