I made a mistake.
A guy I know, who’s a bit of a friend, kept asking me for my coding assignment because he didn’t want to do the work himself. I should have said no, but I didn’t. This isn’t the first time he’s asked for my help with math and computer science assignments. Unfortunately, we got caught this time. It was just a progress check that didn’t count towards our final grade, but the school handbook clearly states that “exchanging assignments with other students, whether handwritten or computer-generated, is considered academic dishonesty.” My teacher is strict about this kind of thing.
She gave me a zero for the assignment, but thankfully it doesn’t impact my overall grade since it was unweighted. She confronted him in class, asking who he copied from, and he didn’t say it was me, but I really don’t trust him anymore. I only found out about the situation because a mutual friend told me and urged him to apologize for what happened. He claims she didn’t directly accuse me during their talk, but I’m pretty sure she has an idea.
Tomorrow is block day, and I have her class then. I’ve been keeping up with all my assignments and doing well in this class, so I really don’t know what to expect. The guy is facing Saturday school, and I’m worried I might have to go too. I feel completely overwhelmed. She reached out to his parents, but not mine yet—she might do that tomorrow. I’m considering going to class early to talk to her about it. I’m freaking out about how this could affect my record and whether I’ll be able to get teacher recommendations when the time comes.
To make matters worse, this guy’s been a jerk throughout this whole situation. I’m tempted to tell my teacher that he pressured me to share my work, which is true. I’m just feeling really anxious right now. What should I do? My mom is going to be really upset if she finds out.
First, take a deep breath. It sounds like you’re in a really tough spot, but there are a few steps you can take to navigate this situation.
Talk to Your Teacher: Going to your teacher early is a good idea. Be honest about what happened. Explain that you felt pressured into sharing your work and that you’re genuinely remorseful for your actions. This shows responsibility and maturity on your part. It’s important to be transparent, as it may help in her decision-making process.
Don’t Throw Him Under the Bus: While it’s understandable to feel upset with the guy for putting you in this position, try to avoid placing all the blame on him. Focus on your actions and how you’ve learned from this experience. Teachers appreciate when students take ownership of their mistakes.
Stay Calm with Your Mom: When you talk to your mom, explain the situation calmly. Focus on what you’ve learned from this experience and how you plan to avoid similar situations in the future.
Reflect on the Situation: Use this as a learning opportunity. Think about how you handle peer pressure in the future. It’s important to feel empowered to say no, especially regarding your academic integrity.
Understand the Consequences: While it’s nerve-wracking, remind yourself that academic repercussions vary from school to school. Since this assignment was unweighted, it’s less likely to severely impact your overall academic record, but understand the importance of maintaining integrity moving forward.
Focus on Your Academic Goals: Remember, one incident doesn’t define your entire academic career. Stay committed to your studies and do your best on future assignments. Your effort and dedication will outweigh this moment in the long run.
You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by this—many students face peer pressure, and it’s a common mistake to make. Handle it with honesty and see it as a growth opportunity. Good luck!