Hey friend!
I sat stunned as the rays of the afternoon sunlight pierced through my window.
“This can’t be happening,” I kept repeating to myself.
My eyes were locked on the text messages on my phone screen. I read them over and over, hoping that they would change.
It had already been a long day. I was in the middle of applying to medical schools and was preparing for my medical school application test (MCAT).
This test was one of the biggest parts of the med school application. The best medical schools wouldn’t even consider you if your score wasn’t high enough. My dreams of becoming a doctor all relied on this 9-hour test.
Every day, I would wake up at 7 am, study for 4 hours, take a short break, and study for 4 more. This test covered every piece of science ever taught at university… and more.
I felt like I was going crazy.
Now this was happening…
My room felt like it was collapsing in on me.
I had just received an email from the honor board committee, titled: “ACTION NEEDED, plagiarism detected.”
On my phone, were the messages from one of my friends explaining the situation. He had asked for help on a paper for a class that I had already taken.
After assuring me that he wouldn’t copy my work, I sent him my paper without a second thought.
That had been 2 weeks ago.
Now I sat at my computer, rereading the email, visualizing my future career as a doctor crumbling away.
I had been caught cheating.
Days went by and I met with the honor board committee. My friend had already talked to them and told me it wasn’t as bad as it seemed.
He was wrong.
The head of the honor board was in the Zoom meeting with me, ready to end my academic career. She questioned me again and again about the paper.
Then she pulled her trump card.
She opened up the Word document that my friend had submitted. In the details of the document, under the ‘created by category’ was my name. My friend turned in the exact paper I sent him.
I was done for.
She gave me the choice to meet with the honor board to plead my case, or admit my cheating and get sent to the dean. I knew I was in the wrong, so I admitted my guilt and chose to take my punishment.
I kept studying for my MCAT, hoping this wouldn’t go on my record. But the whole time I had a knot in my stomach, knowing that I couldn’t recover from this. No medical school would take a cheater.
Another few weeks passed, and I had another Zoom meeting with the dean of science. He was a large man, with a wide face and dark hair.
He terrified me.
I explained my situation to him and told him what I had done.
He sat and thought for a moment, thinking back to his days as a student.
Then, he did something for me that I would never forget.
He forgave me because I told him the truth. He understood that I was just trying to help a friend and had done the same thing many times himself.
I was saved.
The incident wouldn't go on my record and I would still have a chance to become a doctor.
The moral of the story: CHANGE THE OWNERSHIP PROPERTY IF YOU SEND YOUR FRIEND A WORD DOCUMENT.
Nah, just kidding.
You may want to lie to get out of a bad situation, but that doesn't help you at all. Be truthful in all that you do. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Others will respect you for your admitting shortcomings.
Thanks for reading!
Stay curious my friends,
Rocky “Not-a-doctor” Ferony
🔮 The Circle of Curiosity
📚 Book: “How To Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
This is the first “Self Help” book I read a few years ago when I was stuck in the house during COVID. The book is over 30 years old now but is still as beneficial today as it was back then. If you only read one book this year, read this one.
🎧 Podcast: Healthy Gamer GG
Dr. K has become one of my new favorite scientists lately after my girlfriend introduced me to him! He focuses on Mental Health for the internet generation. Every week he shares a video explaining a topic that always seems to hit home. His ideas have completely changed my perspective.
📕 Long-Term Lifting
People don’t take care of their bodies until it’s too late. This is why 48% of yearly deaths are “preventable.” The good news is that the solution is easier than you think. If you’re ready to take your health seriously, download my newest e-book (it’s free!)
📲 Im Free Social Calendar
Get the group plans out of the group chat! At Im Free, we aspire to be the bridge that connects technology to community, inspiring individuals to unplug, engage with their friends, and savor life's moments. If you haven’t signed up yet, check out our idea here!