Foundational Certificate alum Valeria Rusnak explores the ways that failure can be transformed into personal growth in new podcast project.

The podcast was born out of the lessons Valeria learned during the Foundational Certificate in Narrative-Based Medicine. The program’s focus on crafting narratives inspired her to create a space where she could explore her own experiences with rejection — particularly her journey of not being accepted into medical school — and provide a platform for others to share theirs. The podcast aims to help listeners transform rejection into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

While it initially targeted pre-med students, the podcast has evolved to speak to anyone grappling with life’s unexpected setbacks. Some episodes feature interviews with others who have faced rejection, including a doctor who applied to medical school seven times before getting in, while others focus on personal experiences and insights from books centered around personal development and mental wellness.

The Foundational Certificate laid the groundwork for this project by encouraging Valeria to explore her challenges through storytelling. She realized that sharing her experiences could create a sense of connection and unity, showing others that they are not alone. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.