If someone asked me what I thought about your experience, I would say you're the exception, not the rule. It sounds like you did very well and hopefully you're in it to stay. I've done my share of instructing. Everyone learns at a different rate, is there for a different reason, and has a different attitude. Personality also plays a part. Maybe the fact that you went about it the way you did, and have an analytical personality helped tremendously.
I was going to mention ego, but I remembered that counselors have that trait under control