Comeback stories after rejection?
So many filmmakers had to go through devastating rejections before hitting a major milestone. Looking for stories of you or someone you know - what rejection did you face, and what got you to the next milestone?
Example - Spielberg getting rejected from USC and becoming, well, Spielberg.
Or more recently - a friend got rejected from an entry level job and started working at a gym. Months later, the company called and said the first guy didn't work out, and offered him the job. He went on to work his way up and produce multiple movies and TV series for them.
Or - my friend got to the final round of interviews to be an assistant to a major producer, but didn't get the job. Years later she was asked by the producer, who had forgotten they'd met, to guest speak in his adjunct class as an expert.
Edit: not looking for advice or opinions, just stories. Thanks!