Jacob,

I agree...  a good story is a great way to help leaders understand the value of persistence.   Perhaps you have a story you could share on that theme.

 I wish I could say that at age all this persistence was me, but I was made to go back again and again.  It was my mother that was more persistent than I back then...  But when I look at that now, I realize that her decision had a profound inpact on my life.  I think we forget as adults how important it is both model what we hope for in youth, but also to insist on some things, even when children are unwilling.  I fought hard against going back again and again, but when I finally succeeded I was better able to understand the value of the lesson.  It's harder and harder to find such experiences or such people willing to insist.  I hope we all can remember to provide them when we can for our future leaders.

Thank you for your insights.  I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.

Deb