Terrellyn
“Being a woman means being me. There is no universal state of womanhood. If you identify as a woman, it’s just living your truth.”
Terrellyn is a passionate communicator; she’s a photographer, an artist, and a storyteller. Though her chattiness has often been an insecurity of hers, she’s learning to see the power in her ability to talk to others, and to connect with them. These skills have made her particularly empathic to the stories and experiences of others, and now in her career, she is determined to amplify them. Terrellyn is the Communications Manager for the non-profit called Portland in Color, which aims to challenge the homogeneous arts and media landscape in Portland by highlighting BIPOC voices. Terrellyn moved across the country at the start of the pandemic to pursue her Master’s alongside this work. She is an adventurer who is dedicated to her dreams, determined to champion change through understanding. Meet Terrellyn. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
T: Howdy! My name is Terrellyn Faye. Currently, I’m a graduate student pursuing my master’s in Multimedia Journalism in Portland, Oregon. Along with that I’m the Communications Manager for a non-profit called Portland in Color, starting a new position with a documentary company and a freelance photographer/videographer.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
T: Hmm, I think I’m a pretty curious and friendly person. I like new experiences, meeting new people, and figuring out new ways to create or express my thoughts.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
T: My ability to talk to people. I’ve always been a little chatterbox. It’s something I used to hate so much growing up, (I can still get a little insecure sometimes) but it’s something I’ve found in myself that has gifted me the amazing people and community I surround myself with today. A thing I like to say is “you can’t see the entire world, but you can see a lot of it through other people and their stories.”
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
T: I think moving to Portland a year ago has been something that has shown me a lot of my weaknesses but made me stronger overall. I’m a born and raised Texan whose longest time out of the state was 5 months prior. I made the decision to pursue grad school before the pandemic was in sight and my stubborn self wanted to still move across the country to a state I had never visited and basically knew no one. I’ve been able to feel a lot of feelings. I’ve felt loneliness and regret like I’ve never felt before but I’ve also shown myself how much more of a capable person I am.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
T: Don’t get trapped in your head. Express yourself in whatever way you want and be proud of your growth and accomplishments. The right people know who you are at your best and at your worst. They will be patient and love you for all that you are regardless. Make sure to continue to do the same.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
T: Being a woman means being me. There is no universal state of womanhood. If you identify as a woman, it’s just living your truth.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
T: My mother for sure. She’s just a phone call away but I guess this is what I would say to her in this context: “You are the one who taught me resilience. You have to be the most patient person I know, but that doesn’t mean you’re to be easily walked over. You’ve taught me what it’s like to make things happen and how to figure it out. You are and will continue to be my best friend. Also sorry for the angsty teen years and thank you for answering my phone calls even when you’re in the restroom.”