Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Long.
Hi Terra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t think I would ever become a model. I’m schizophrenic and working makes things hard for me.
My schizophrenia is a daily struggle. Every minute I see something or hear something that isn’t there. I have to really focus and try to take my mind off it. Modeling and acting help me focus on real life and I love doing it!
One day 5 years ago I got a call from a Model and Talent Management Agency to audition at one of their modeling centers.
I was so excited to try something new so I happily auditioned. After a year of training to become a model and actress I quickly started networking in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. I full time modeled for about 2 years then started working as a teacher at a daycare in Splendora TX. I love seeing my kids in class and I love the modeling I do on the side. I just got married on October 30th, 2021 to my very supportive husband Chase Long. I live a happy and simple life. I love my small town and I love my teaching job. Every day, something exciting happens for me and I live for every moment!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but I have learned a lot. I’ve been in dangerous situations many times due to modeling. I know sex trafficking’s kind of big right now, I’ve been attacked at my car. Being schizophrenic is also hard. It makes communication with others difficult and no one really has an understanding about it or even heard of it. In large gatherings, I sometimes have to leave early because the crowd is to much for me and I lose focus. I also lose a large amount of modeling or acting opportunities because there are certain things I have to do in order for me to behave normally. For example, I can’t be in the dark. I need to see all my surroundings. I can’t be left alone so my husband comes with me everywhere. I also work full time now so scheduling is sometimes an issue. I learn to adapt and make it through these situations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a model, actress, and teacher! My normal schedule is waking up at 4am, getting ready to be at work by 6:30am then work till 3:30pm then I’ll do some modeling after work or on the weekend! I think my specialty is modeling and teaching. I love to hear a photographer say that I didn’t need much direction when posing or they call me a pro. It makes me feel amazing about my work. I’m most known for my modeling. I have had a few times when a complete stranger recognizes me and I would get butterflies cause I don’t really think I’m a big model. I’m proud of everything I have accomplished as a model. I’ve been in runway shows, magazines, and newspaper articles. I’ve enjoyed it all. I feel like I’m a lot more positive than other people. I’m used to bad things happening to me but I know there is always something better coming my way. If I’m sad now then I’ll always just be sad. I don’t like that, I want to be happy.
What were you like growing up?
I didn’t really have much of a childhood. I have a broken family and my grandparents took care of me most of my life. I just reconnected with my birth father in February 2021. My mom and me never got along but now is more tame. I had big dreams and I didn’t think I would get them. I was very negative as a child, always upset about others getting everything I wanted. Having the ability to be normal and not be in a whole different world due to a mental illness. I always wished I was normal. Now I know no one is really “normal”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_terra_long_
Image Credits
Ron Villarreal (@Ronvillarrealphotography)
Mike Hornback (@mgh_photography_michael)
