My name is Terisa Hicks Raney, and I was born in Sheffield, Alabama, at Helen Keller Hospital. I enjoy reading, fishing, gardening, studying, but mostly spending time with my family.

I identify as having a learning disability. In the third grade, I was tested and found out that I had a learning disability. I knew I did not think like others in my age group, and, as a result, I was often teased. That year, my teachers and counselor suggested that I attend an extra class that would help me with test taking and assist with my speech. 

In seventh grade, my school counselor said, “You might as well quit school, you will never make anything out of yourself.” If you ask the counselor about it today, he will probably say, he was using reverse psychology. Afterwards, my parents took me out of that extra class, which left me trying to find my own path.

During my sophomore year in high school, I met my first best friend, with whom I am still in contact today. I also entered the talent show where I recited a poem I wrote. Following the talent show, the high school drama teacher approached me and said, “Terisa, next year you need to be in my drama class.” In drama class, I found my group and my voice; my grades went from barely passing to A’s and B’s. Working with my drama teacher made me slow my speech down and work on pronouncing my words. This teacher still means a lot to me, and I still use what he taught me every day. 

While in college, I worked at a chicken slaughter/processing establishment. During this time, my father and several coworkers encouraged me to apply for a position at USDA/FSIS. At that time, applicants had to take a test to become an employee. I took the test, passed it and started my career at FSIS. I had the privilege of working for FSIS in different states as a consumer safety inspector. During that time, my mother and mother-in-law became ill. I had to make the hard decision to leave FSIS to care for both women. I later returned to FSIS. 

I have spent my life around a diverse group of individuals. I try to push past my comfort zone each day and learn something new. One of my favorite songs is “One Day at a Time” written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. I have tried to take this song and make it part of the person I want to be. One day a frontline supervisor (FLS) and I were talking about issues. The FLS asked me, “Terisa, how would you eat an elephant?” I thought for a moment, what does this have to do with the issues at hand? It was if the FLS could see my confusion when I answered the question, “One bite at a time.” These are words to live by and my personal philosophy.

As the new Disability Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM), I joined the team with an eagerness to bring awareness to the disability community. I look forward to learning more about the role of Disability SEPM and to assist the agency in ensuring that equal employment opportunity is present in all aspects of FSIS employment and that positive actions are being taken to address under representation of people with disabilities. I am willing to do everything I can to assist employees and the agency.

Photo courtesy of Raney.