My Story
- Becky Torvik
- May 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 8
A Creative Life in Progress
I often wonder how to begin my story and used to joke that I’d start at the beginning—“I was born on a Tuesday”—as if anyone wants to go back that far. To me, Tuesdays are green. Maybe that’s why green is my favorite color. I’ve always experienced the world a little differently—I have synesthesia, which means I associate colors with letters, numbers, and even days of the week. It’s just one example of how my brain works creatively—something that also shapes how I learn, view the world, and solve problems.
For much of my life, I felt like I didn’t quite fit into what others expected—whether that meant staying at one job for 40 years or choosing one passion and sticking with it. I’ve held a wide range of roles and explored many interests, often moving on after about two years as I followed curiosity and opportunities for growth. I used to see that as a failure. Now, I recognize it as one of my greatest strengths. It means I’m curious, adaptable, always learning, and genuinely interested in people—their stories, cultures, and what shapes their decisions. I thrive in supportive environments that value growth, change, and meaningful work.
That mindset eventually led me back to school as a non-traditional student. I started out studying American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, and later shifted my focus to communication, psychology, and experiential learning—areas that deepened my understanding of how people think, connect, and grow. Those insights are central to how I approach both life and work. I'll be continuing this journey by pursuing a master's degree in Organizational Leadership.
I’m now building a career that allows me to bring ideas to life while leading with meaning and direction. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, collaborative environments where curiosity and growth are encouraged, and where every voice matters. Everyone brings unique value, and we never know who we’ll learn from. Strong leadership empowers others to grow, and my own experiences continue to guide how I show up, contribute, and support others.
Where The Adventure Began
Before I graduated from high school, my parents told me there was no money for college and that I shouldn't apply because there would be no way to pay for it. So I didn’t. I graduated in 1997, at a time when internet resources were limited, and I didn't have many options for finding scholarships. I hated school—it felt like a place where I was forced to learn things I couldn't connect to or see a use for. I didn’t want to be there, and my poor grades reflected that. I stayed home the first year after graduating, working odd jobs and joking about how many days I could go without leaving the house or getting out of my pajamas.
Then, in early 1998, I received a surprise phone call. A family in Boston was looking for a nanny, and though I didn't know them personally, a friend of a friend recommended me. Even though I wasn't particularly fond of babysitting, I said yes immediately—it felt like a way out.
I flew across the country without meeting them in person. That year turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed the family and made the most of every opportunity to explore. As the end of the year approached, I had the option to extend my nanny contract, but I knew it was time for a new adventure.
Finding My Medium
My mom suggested I apply to The Art Institute of Seattle. One of their representatives had visited my high school, and I desperately wanted to go, but it had seemed financially out of reach. I was surprised my mom had changed her mind. I think she could see that I felt lost and unsure of what to do next. With her encouragement—and a new stack of loans—I enrolled in September 1999.
Initially, I focused on photography, but quickly found it too limiting. Being told what to photograph stifled my creativity. I switched to multimedia and web design and immediately felt more engaged. The variety of topics matched my learning style and kept my interest.
Balancing work with school and changing majors meant I took three years to complete my associate's degree, graduating in 2002. However, by that time, the job market had changed drastically. After 9/11, the economy tanked, and creative departments were often the first to be cut. I found myself competing against experienced professionals with master’s degrees for the few jobs available. Luckily, Las Vegas was still booming, so I decided to try my luck there.
A Good Attitude Lands a Job
When I first arrived in Las Vegas, I still struggled to find work in my field. I was offered jobs at a movie theater and Bath & Body Works, but neither offered full-time hours. I took both to make ends meet while continuing to apply for creative roles.
Eventually, I landed an interview for a production role at a publishing company. During the interview, the manager pulled up an image and asked me to color correct it while he observed. I thought it was a trick—the image looked perfect to me, and there was no reference photo. I adjusted a few sliders and tried to act confident, even though I had no idea what I was doing.
To my surprise, they offered the job.
On my first day, the manager showed me the printouts from all the applicants. I was shocked. Mine was—by far—the worst. With my jaw dropped, I asked, “Why did you hire me?” He told me it was my enthusiasm. The other candidates had better qualifications and more experience, but they all complained about something during their interviews. He said, “I can teach you how to color-correct a photo. I can’t teach you how to have a great attitude.”
That experience stayed with me. Perfection isn't realistic but enthusiasm, adaptability, and curiosity have carried me further than I ever imagined.
Inspiration
Years later, I jotted this into my phone's Notes app:
8/10/18 The human mind is powerful. We can use that power to fail. Or we can use that power to succeed. Whatever it may be—school, sports, hobby, family, friends, career—change the conversation in your head from I can’t to I can. From I don’t know how to I’ll figure it out. From it’s impossible to I’ll try. Turn it into knowing you can, somehow. Even if you don’t know how—yet. Know that you’re powerful enough to learn. Don’t give up before you start—don’t give up, period. Believe you can. Push through the hard parts. Don’t confuse success with perfection. We're all flawed. We all stumble. Get back up. Be kind to yourself and others on your journey. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep trying. Work hard. Succeed. I guarantee if you believe you can’t, then you won’t. Believe you can, and you will. You don’t have to know how you’ll get there. You just need to believe you’re capable.
That belief—that I can figure things out with what I have—is at the heart of my journey. It also inspired the name of this website, With What She Had, influenced by my grandmother's creative problem-solving spirit.
I'm still curious, still learning, still creating—and always doing the best I can with what I have. Tuesdays are still green to me. But so are growth, possibility, and the creative journey I'm no longer afraid to keep pursuing.
