Where does greatness begin?

I have witnessed greatness. She is amazing, beyond description and is deserving of greater praise than she'll ever receive. Where does greatness begin? And perhaps, more importantly, why are we so reluctant to recognize greatness?

There seems to be an effort underway to hide away the fact that some have achieved greatness while others exist. Being extraordinary should not be liability. Yet it seems as if the ambition of all too may has become the pursuit of mediocrity. Just enough, good enough, it will do, that's fine, etc...

For America to be great, we must accept that there are great leaders who deserve our admiration, support, and full commitment. Elite is a perfectly acceptable word to use in describing athletes, artists, and institutions... but not our leaders. Political figures who are perceived as elitist can be obliterated by public opinion. In our schools, teachers or students who strive for excellence can be shunned for their quest to be better than they were, than others will be. The journey to greatness can be completed with tremendous humility, but we should never deny the purpose of the journey.

I have witnessed greatness. And for that, I am grateful.