Academic Integrity is Important

BY SOPHIA WENGIER

The saying that “one who cheats is only cheating themselves,” while it may be cliche, has an abundance of truth to it. In an academic culture that puts grades above one’s morals, cheating in schools has become pervasive.  However, the act of cheating, while it may have short term benefits, is harmful in many more ways than one might think.  Lack of academic probity does not just affect one’s honor, it can also affect a student’s future.  

“I value student integrity because cheating ruins your chance to actually gain knowledge to further your education,” junior Zoe Alfonso said.  

Cheating just isn’t worth it.  When plagued with desperation and bad circumstances, a glance at a friend’s paper might seem like the best option.  However, the chance that is taken from this simple action has extreme consequences that far outweigh the extra point you might receive on a test.  Let’s face it, teachers aren’t stupid and they’re always on the lookout for cheating.  Most teachers have a policy where students who get caught cheating get automatic zeros, a lower grade than one might receive just taking a test that they didn’t study for.  

“You just don’t learn from cheating,” senior Michael Wei said.  “It can also get you in a lot of trouble that could be avoided if you just study.”

Cheating also hurts your chance of joining clubs and programs that you might be interested in.  A student who cheats is less likely to be recommended for NHS by a teacher and can say goodbye to any recommendation letters they might need later on.  Overall, a student who cheats automatically loses their credibility with teachers and even other students.  This credibility is essential to a successful high school career and when it is gone, it’s hard to get back.  

One of the dangers of cheating is that it can become a habit.  Put simply, it’s an easy way out.  Saving oneself the work of studying for hours and copying a friend’s paper instead can become addictive.  It is rarely an isolated case and therefore has long term effects on one’s education.  When multiple homework assignments are copied, the material is never learned, leading to the failure of tests, quizzes, and important exams.  In the end, those who cheat are only hurting themselves and their final grades and scores.  

“Cheating doesn’t actually help you learn the subject, which will become dire for you in the future,” junior Kaytie De La Vega said.  “If you cheat on a test, then you will only pass that test and not know the information when it will be really important.”

Forming the habit of cheating in high school gives way for the possibility of being a cheater in college too.  In many universities, cheating and plagiarism can be grounds to kick a student out. If a student isn’t careful in college, their entire future and career can be affected.  The habit needs to be eliminated in high school or the consequences will continue to get worse.  

Overall, the small amount of time saved from cheating off of a friend can have extremely harmful and far reaching consequences.  It’s time for students of Cooper City High School to realize that overall education and reliability is more important than a grade on one assignment or test.   Academic honesty gives students a quality education and learning experience and should be valued by all.