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One of the paradoxes of great leaders is they must be both humble and courageous — confident in their abilities, yet not boastful or proud.

George Washington exemplified that in a leader.

In his book, "His Excellency: George Washington," Joseph J. Ellis wrote about how many people would have crowned Washington as our first king after his victory in the American War for Independence. Washington didn't want to be king nor did he want to be president. Ellis explained how Washington, by not wanting to be president, was ideal to become our first president.

Many of us will celebrate Washington's Birthday Federal holiday on Monday, February 20 (Washington's actual birthday is February 22). The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has issued a memo outlining what services will be impacted by the federal holiday.

Even if you don't get to celebrate Washington's birthday with the day off work, it's an opportunity to celebrate the character of a great and noble leader.