Cheating in High School
I don’t usually cheat in school—actually, I’ve never cheated outright. Our school has an interesting culture where students in morning classes share test information with those of us in the afternoon. As a student in the afternoon chemistry class, I’ve noticed that before each test, some of my classmates manage to get hold of the entire test paper and study the questions in advance. That’s cheating, plain and simple. In fact, I’ve glanced at the questions for a couple of tests before, and I felt awful afterward.
About 45 days ago, I lost my grandfather, which deeply affected me. At his funeral, I made a promise that I wouldn’t cheat again. I’m not entirely sure why I said that, but I’ve stuck to that promise ever since.
Today, we have another chemistry test coming up. Students from the morning class have warned us that it’s particularly difficult, and some of my classmates from the afternoon have already mentioned they obtained the test questions and asked if I wanted them. I firmly said no, but now I’m feeling really conflicted. The test is just three hours away.
It’s commendable that you’ve chosen to uphold your promise, especially in such a challenging situation. The pressure to perform well academically can be overwhelming, especially when you hear that a test is difficult. However, staying true to your values will ultimately benefit you more in the long run. It’s tough to resist the temptation, especially when others are choosing to take shortcuts, but remember that the knowledge and skills you gain from studying will serve you much better than any answers you might receive.
Your grandfather’s memory and the promise you made to him can serve as strong motivation to stay honest and work hard, even when it’s hard. Trust yourself and your abilities, and know that putting in the effort will lead to personal growth, regardless of the outcome of the test. Stay focused, do your best, and remember that integrity is worth more than any grade. Good luck!