She applied to her dream school, but didn't get in.

On the other side of devastation she committed to a new path, and persistence landed her in a better position than if they had said yes the first time.

Dr. Rachael Capua, Vice President for External Operations and Dean of Tarleton State Fort Worth, and one of the most impressive women in North Texas education, has built her entire career on a philosophy she wrote for herself during her doctoral program: live life inspired, not intimidated.

In this episode, Rebecca and Dr. Cap sit down like the old friends they are and go deep. Dr. Cap talks about growing up with a single mother who ran her own business and showed her grit in the most organic way — not by what she said, but by what she did. She talks about her uncle, Roy P. Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient whose story of surviving the unsurvivable and choosing to fight for education — especially for young people who look like him — still moves her to tears. She talks about impostor syndrome, ageism, the power of just one true friend, and what it really means to be grateful for the no.

And her horse's name… well, you'll just have to listen to find out.

If you're sitting in a no or a rejection right now — this episode was made for you.

If Dr. Cap's story of Uncle Roy moves you — go visit the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. Just named America's #1 new museum AND one of the world's most beautiful. Roy P. Benavidez's story is there. It's worth the drive.

"Be grateful for the nos — they get you closer to the right yes." — Dr. Rachael Capua