Need Help with School Incident
So, here’s the situation: My school’s IT department confiscated my laptop because my friend thought it would be funny to run some malicious USB scripts using a device called a Flipper through the command prompt. I honestly have no idea what he executed, but I think it triggered some sort of alert that might have bypassed the school firewall. Now I’ve got a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with who knows how many people.
I’m really worried about what might have triggered that alert using the badUSB method. Can IT see the specific scripts he ran? I only know of four harmless scripts, but I’m anxious they might have caught something serious. Also, can they tell that the Flipper was connected?
I shouldn’t have let my friend mess around with my school laptop. I have a 4.0 GPA and I’m the president of the jazz band and music honor society. Plus, I’ve been accepted to all my college choices with scholarships. I can’t let this situation jeopardize everything I’ve worked for.
On a side note, my friend later did the same thing on his own school computer and now he has a meeting too; he’s not a great student, so he might get expelled.
Update: So, at the meeting, they found only a file organizer script linked to my friend. He admitted to everything, but the school doesn’t seem too concerned. They’re considering a three-month suspension, and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed. School means everything to me, and I have no motivation right now. With just five months until college, I’m unsure how I’ll handle being suspended.
We ended the meeting, and my family is looking into hiring an attorney. If anyone has advice or can help me figure out what to say (or not say) in the next meeting, I would really appreciate it. I live in New York and I’m 17. If you want to see the actual report, just DM me. Any support would mean a lot right now. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially with everything you have going on. It’s good to hear your friend admitted what happened; that could potentially lessen your involvement in the eyes of the school administration. Here are some thoughts on how to approach your next steps:
Stay Calm and Collected: Prepare for your next meeting by keeping your emotions in check. It’s understandable to be anxious, but staying calm will help you think clearly and respond thoughtfully.
Be Honest: It’s crucial to be honest about what happened. Explain that you didn’t know what your friend was going to run and that you didn’t intend for any harmful actions. Accepting some responsibility is important, but try to emphasize that you were unaware of the potential consequences.
Focus on Your Achievements: Remind them of your positive contributions to the school and your academic achievements. Highlighting your good character can help sway their opinion in your favor.
Consult Your Attorney: It’s great that you’re hiring an attorney. They can help you navigate the situation legally and provide guidance on what to say or avoid in meetings.
Understand the Consequences: Be prepared for some disciplinary action, but research your school’s policies on technology misuse. You might find leniency for first-time offenders, especially if your friend is taking the blame.
Plan for the Next Steps: If a suspension is likely, think about how you can stay productive during that time. E-learning, independent study, or even pursuing your music interests can help keep your spirits up.
Communicate Openly: Keep your support system informed—friends, family, and teachers who understand your situation can provide support and may even advocate on your behalf.
Take Care of Yourself: This situation is tough, but it’s important to focus on your mental health. Lean on friends and family for support, and make sure to take breaks and do things that bring you joy.
In terms of what not to say, avoid placing blame on your friend or making excuses that could come off as deflecting responsibility. Emphasize your willingness to learn from this mistake.
Remember, mistakes happen, but your overall character and achievements are what will ultimately define you. Stay hopeful and keep pushing forward!