One last, wrong move.

I admit that I helped a classmate when she took the Economics test. I admit that. And whatever decision they’ll make, whether they strip me of my loyalty and curricular awards or give me low conduct grades, I will not be shaken. Whatever happens, I have proven my worth in my 12 years of studying in this institution. Whatever happens, I know what I’ve done.

Whatever happens, I truly, strongly believe that one mistake will not define me and my loyalty. It could not define who I am entirely. I am a huge system and it is a mere glitch; just one of the few things that would make my life a little less uptight.

As I said to my teacher in a conversation, I know that what I did was wrong and that I would accept the consequences, but I have my own belief system and I would most prefer not to conform to others’ belief. This is because people would always push their own definitions of principles, thinking that they’re always right. And I wouldn’t want to conform to that tattered version of values.

If only I would be given the chance to talk to the board of decision-makers..

While I was walking, I imagined the things that I would tell them.
Here's what I thought of:

I speak in front of you not to tamper any of your decisions. I respect whatever this mistake of mine shall cause. But I asked for this opportunity so that I would not have any regrets in the future. I wouldn’t want to graduate with thoughts in my head saying ‘I should’ve said this, I should’ve said that.’

I want to be a proper gentleman and face all of you. I admit that what I did was wrong. That I helped my classmate in our exams. I may have cheated but I didn’t cheat for myself. I cheated out of pity. Yes, it doesn’t change that fact that I cheated and wretched the sanctity of examinations but we all have different beliefs.

And I am someone who wouldn’t want to conform to others’ beliefs because of the scare of hypocrisy, insufficiency and injustice, just as what I am seeing in this institution. I have my own belief system and what might be wrong for me might be right for you and vice-versa.

And included in my belief system is the principle that one mistake does not entirely define a person. This mistake of mine will not define me nor will it define my whole stay in this institution. It is a mere flaw. One of the weaknesses that we have as humans is the inevitability to commit mistakes. Without mistakes, there is no learning or development. I do not know any of your life experiences but I assure that all of us have regrets. It is a hypocrisy if you will think otherwise. We all have that one, great mistake that we try to forget. As for me, I embrace them because without my scars and incurred damages to myself, I wouldn’t be here, speaking in front of you with all the courage that is left in my mortal body.

So, those are just my two cents.

Thank you and good afternoon.