What I would want our youth to learn about leadership in school and in life was demonstrated well in your "swim" story. It's the small successes that count. So many times we celebrate the one who came in first and won the medal but never do we just celebrate the accomplishments of those who were able to finish the race. I can imagine how proud you were when you finally passed the class, so many would have given up! Congratualtions to your mother on being so supportive, sadly many parents give up on their children too quickly when they don't do well. For many of us having the courage to "jump in the water" is the accomplishment that needs to be celebrated before we can "win the race" Being a leader isn't just those that are out in front, but leaders are all of us who are willing to "jump in the water" and continue on despite the failures.