Creativity from Adversity: How Life’s Challenges Made ORU’s Victoriya Ruffin a Better Filmmaker

Victoriya "Tori" Ruffin
Hometown: Upland, California
Cinema, Television, and Digital media

 

 

“Adversity is an opportunity for self-discovery”
– John Maxwell

Experiences, whether good or bad, can influence our creative expressions. For ORU senior Victoriya (Tori) Ruffin, life’s difficulties have been a source of her creative growth; they’ve also been a tool for healing and connection. Her experiences, including personal loss and overcoming an identity crisis, have shaped Tori as a person, an artist, and a filmmaker.

“I had a brother pass away in the NICU, and initially, I hid behind a tough act in school,” said Tori. “No one knew what I was going through. I began to wonder how many other people were probably hiding their pain. This helped me become more compassionate toward others and through compassion, I’ve become a much more creative person.”

 

 

 

Hitting a Roadblock as an Artist

As a creative, Tori’s love for the arts has always been a defining trait. Whether dancing in elementary school or singing solos in choir, her passion for the arts is undeniable. However, in high school, this passion grew timid as she struggled with her identity and feelings of comparison.

Tori on the cover graphic of "Here's the Deal," a romantic comedy student film

“When I was younger, I was known for my talents,” said Tori, “but then I went to a fine arts school in California that was saturated with incredibly talented performers. I felt I wasn’t up to their standards, so I started doubting all the gifts that the Lord gave me. This caused me to question what I wanted to do with my life.”

These feelings of insecurity pushed Tori “behind the scenes.” Eventually, she enrolled at ORU as a cinema, television, and digital media major, intending to “hide behind the camera.” However, ORU’s supportive community helped rekindle Tori’s passion for performing.

“My friends know I love the arts,” said Tori, “and Professor David Ray [Associate Professor of Media] recognized that I  needed to be in front of the camera  He urged me to audition for the student films on campus, and while I was hesitant at first, I eventually gave it a try and earned a lead role in a student film.”

Tori and her friends, who won 1st place in ORU's 2024 Film Gala

Rediscovering Self-Confidence and Purpose

Today, as a filmmaker, Tori wants to work not only behind the camera but in front of it too. Whether producing, directing, or acting, she is empowered by her faith, purpose, and artistry cultivated at ORU. For Tori, it’s not just about the next role or project but about fulfilling a unique calling that resonates beyond the screen, touching lives, and creating a lasting impact.

“My experiences, good and bad, are unique to me,” Tori said. “God allows us to go through things individually so that our testimony can pour into our gifts. Once you attach your gift to God’s purpose, you will make an impact. So, you can't compare yourself to others, you just have to do what God has called you to do.”

Tori working on school projects as a cinema, television, and digital media major

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.