Before she landed her own TV show, Victoria Justice recalls watching Zoey 101 as a child with her little sister and thinking that the show’s actors and actresses were so lucky and had such an interesting job.
“A year and half or so later, I was auditioning for the part of the new roommate [on Zoey 101],” Justice told attendees during a campus-wide event hosted by Bryant University's Ellen Wilson Leadership Center.
Justice, best known for her role as Victoria “Tori” Vega on the Nickelodeon television show Victorious, has built a multi-faceted career as both a businesswoman and a creative force. Visiting Bryant on April 27, she participated in a moderated Q&A with Wilson Fellows Lindsay Bock ’28 and Derek Lui ’29 and encouraged the next generation of leaders to embrace their voice, act with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in their community and through their career.
Labor of love
Throughout the conversation, Justice shared her experiences navigating the entertainment industry. Singing has always been part of Justice’s life, she stated, noting that her great uncle had been in a doo-wop band in the 1960s and that she’d sing Motown songs with him at family functions. That love of singing, and her affinity for theatre, led her to attend a performing arts middle school where she would practice singing, dancing, and acting every day.
Following her big break on Zoey 101, Justice landed the lead role on Victorious at 16 years old; it was a lot of responsibility as a teenager, she shared.
“There are millions of dollars on the line, and people are counting on you to show up five days a week, be on time, know your lines, and do a good job,” Justice said, adding that the experience shaped her work ethic going forward and taught her about teamwork and collaboration.
Justice offered the audience a look behind the scenes, from answering undergrads questions on if she stays in touch with her co-workers (yes, there are Zoey 101 and Victorious group chats) to talking about her favorite episode of Victorious (“Trapped in an RV” from season one). She also noted that Victorious was where she learned how to write music and fell in love with the art of song writing. Creating three songs for the show, she continues to make music today.
Confidence and resilience
In an industry where rejection is the status quo, Justice shared that establishing confidence in herself has helped her to grow and keep moving forward.
“Life never goes as planned,” she said, adding that she’s a firm believer that when one door closes another one opens. “When things don't go the way you expect them to, it builds resilience because you have to learn to pick yourself back up and to keep going.”
Justice also emphasized that disappointments should be seen as opportunities to learn lessons.
“There are setbacks that need to happen to teach you something and to help you grow to prepare for the next bright opportunity that comes your way,” she said.
But those setbacks can still be difficult to take, she admitted, so it’s important to have a support system to rely on when things go awry.
“My family and I are super close, and I'm lucky to have had them by my side to navigate all the highs and lows,” she said.
As for the courage she’s developed? That comes with time and experience.
“I'm not always confident, but that's just a part of the process,” Justice said, explaining that nerves and self-doubt kick in when starting a new project, but then confidence shows up after putting in the prep work to succeed.
Showing up for yourself
When asked about dealing with stress and what has helped her learn to trust her own process, Justice emphasized the importance of finding ways to alleviate the pressure you put on yourself and that it’s okay to take time to figure things out.
“You don't have to be perfect. Take it day by day – remember it's a marathon, not a sprint,” Justice said, adding that everyone is on their own timeline and that it's important to not compare yourself to others, especially in a social media-obsessed society.
In addition to growing their professional careers, Justice urged her audience to take the time to cultivate other aspects of their lives, such as developing their social lives, finding hobbies, and taking care of their mental health. And, while it may be difficult, she suggested, undergrads — especially those with people-pleasing tendencies — should practice the art of saying no.
“Don't be afraid to stand your ground on whatever is best for you,” she advised.
Growing and learning is a process and, ultimately, success looks different for everyone, suggested Justice, which is why it’s important to stay focused on your own goals.
“Wake up every day focusing on how to try and make the best version of you today,” she counseled.