"When somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around."

In this inspiring episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley sits down with Sheryl Tullis to explore her remarkable journey from West Point rejection to acceptance and beyond. Sheryl shares the powerful story of how a childhood lawnmower accident that severed three fingers initially seemed to close doors but ultimately opened them in unexpected ways.

When West Point initially rejected Sheryl for medical reasons due to missing finger joints, she refused to accept "no" as the final answer. Her childhood piano teacher, who had witnessed her determination to play piano again after doctors said she'd never have the dexterity, wrote a compelling letter to West Point that secured her medical waiver. This pivotal moment taught her that "when somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around."

The conversation then moves to Sheryl's extraordinary experience as an intern speechwriter for General Colin Powell, where she learned invaluable lessons about leadership and culture creation. From breaking the silence in a military van with a humorous observation about a billboard to receiving personal mentorship from one of America's most respected generals, Sheryl's stories illustrate how small moments can have profound impacts on our lives and careers.

For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.