the almighty "A"

Somehow we changed, should we allow a child to believe their best can not be improved and that good enough is what everyone should achieve?
Should a surgeon strive to be average? Shouldn't he be the best? If his skills as a doctor are equal to mine, I'm better off on my own than on the operating table. What sets us apart in a race is being faster not all finishing together. There is a time for teamwork and a time for individual excellence to surpass others.
Self-esteem is not destroyed by coming in second, but by failing to continue to be first. If we allow standards to block expectations we will be pathetically content with "good enough."
A student's "a" lasts only until the next lesson.