Your tenacity reflects that indeed you absorbed the advice and teachings during that period in your life, and they have and continue to serve you well!
Your instructor would certainly be proud of your effort, as you should be, and as we are! Damn we're lucky to have you on our team! I would not want you as my adversary! LOL!

"To strive, to serve and not to yield" Certainly good advice for everyone!

Thx for sharing!