Reflections of Let Me Tell You My Story by Kate Farrell
Written by Megan Carson
Kate Farrell, Director of Marketing and PR at Familius, has been an invaluable source of vision and energy in helping us launch our book, Let Me Tell You My Story. We are so grateful for the efforts and talents she brings to helping us share the stories of our friends seeking refuge. Here are some of her thoughts about working on this project with us:
“When I was in college, I studied how storytelling through media can create communities and inspire social change. I know that this book will prompt long-lasting ripples of powerful dialogue.
“I’ve always had access to an education, a bed, and my family to hug. I learned about other cultures primarily through two other luxuries: books and travel. I cared deeply about others, and always tried to listen to others when I met them. As I grew, I increasingly realized that this wasn’t quite enough. Many of the media platforms that I admired and wanted to learn about diversity from were dominated by people who had access to the same things that I did growing up, and who often looked very similar to me.
“As I learned, listened, and grew, I searched for answers and tried to listen to stories created by people of all backgrounds, something that became increasingly important as my awareness of life outside of my small town grew too.
“Speaking with and supporting the TSOS team, reading these refugees’ stories, and promoting this book makes me feel like I am fighting for a better future.
“Everyone deserves a platform to tell their stories. We must listen to and acknowledge the coexisting pain and the love in the journeys of those around us. We must learn about one another’s cultural backgrounds, hardships, and personal victories (if our friends are willing to share) so we know how we may best love and support each other as humans with commonalities, but also beautiful, wonderful differences.
“I feel the TSOS team is my family, and I am extremely grateful to them for laboring over this book for years before I joined the project. I am also extremely grateful to every refugee who was willing to share their story and their voice for their project. Your bravery and vulnerability is beautiful, and you are strong beyond what I could ever hope to be. I hope that this book will take readers’ breath away and compel them to take moments out of distractingly busy lives to connect with the people within these pages. Human stories are what life is about- I’m just lucky to be able to work with and share them.”
-- Kate Farrell, Director of Marketing and PR at Familius
Official Statement on U.S. Election Outcome
Here at Their Story Is Our Story, we know that the United States of America is stronger because of those who were forced to leave their homes and start anew with us. They bring vitality, determination, fortitude, and are essential to our economy, our culture, our communities, and our country. We are, and will continue to be, #betterwithrefugees.
Refugee Doctors Advocate for Legislative Change
The inspiring journey of refugee doctors advocating for legislative changes to ease their path back into medical practice in the U.S. Discover how their efforts led to the unanimous passing of House Bill 995 in Virginia, offering a temporary licensure pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Voices of Resilience: 3 Afghani Refugees Use Their Professions to Make a Better World
This month marks the three year anniversary of the fall of Kabul. When the city fell, many were forced to flee their homes. Women who had careers, women who dreamed of careers, and women who lifted their voices to fight for equal rights were some of those most at risk. To America’s great benefit, some of these women landed in the US.