I regret my decision to plagiarize – I did not cite my paper correctly and chose instead to not pay attention to detail, cite my work properly nor complete the assignment right. Despite me feeling alone in this process, I discovered that people still support my success despite my shortcomings. I have also discovered that I am still prone to making mistakes, and I understand that I need to be aware, learn from my mistakes, and act differently beyond them.
In 2012, an investigation of a cheating scandal involving 125 students at Harvard was announced to the public on August 30, 2012. Students were accused of illegal collaboration and plagiarism on a final exam for the course Government 1310: “Introduction to Congress”. The exam itself was a take-home exam where open notes, open book, and the internet were authorized in the completion of the test, though collaboration with other students, tutors, writing centers, etc. was prohibited.
Similarities in exam answers were noticed amongst multiple students. Each test had either the same or very similar answers to multiple questions. A request was submitted to the Harvard administrative board to look into the matter, resulting in 125 allegations of illegal collaboration and plagiarism on the exam. Ultimately when all the cases were closed, multiple students had either received disciplinary probation or suspension. (Perez – Pena)
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Similar to the Harvard students, I received academic probation. With the understanding of the next step being suspension, I see that both levels of punishment are serious consequences for not only the near-term, but more importantly in shaping my character. This mistake affects how I am viewed for the rest of my academic career, and perhaps, the Harvard students felt the pressure and uncertainty that come with a mistake like this as well.
While the magnitude for cheating was on a wider scale than mine, the act in nature is the same. The Harvard students and I both took for granted our institutional well-being, choosing laziness over honor and taking the easier route to get an assignment done in violation of the honor code. Instead of actually planning out our time, using proper communication, and simply following the rules, we dismissed our integrity and chose ignorance.
I am a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology – one of the best, world-renowned schools, that “[creates] the next”, the next generation of inventors, innovators, and world changers. (Georgia Tech) This alone, like at Harvard University, should be appreciated and reflected in my every action, especially in the classroom and my work. Despite doubting my abilities in my first year, I do not believe I was accepted to study here by accident. During my two years here, and especially in this case, I learned that taking the easy route will get me nowhere great, and that it will take hard work, perseverance, and determination, to really make a difference in this world. As I am sure the Harvard students can relate, I have also learned that even though I am academically inclined, it does not mean I get a pass to be ignorant and careless with my academics and everyday actions.
Though the Harvard students and I share similarity in mistake, the one thing that will set me apart will be how I chose to live on with integrity intact and regaining the trust of my institution, friends, and family. Unlike some of the Harvard students, I chose not to sulk and wonder what to do or threaten to sue my school. I chose to push forward, ask forgiveness, accept the consequences, and correct myself into being a more honest student that takes pride in how I represent myself, my family name, and my school.
The day I was convicted of plagiarism, I thought my future was ruined. However, I know see the large amount of support and love of the people around me. Despite my mistake and because of grace, I have a renewed confidence in myself that I can succeed and be even better than I was before I violated my integrity. From here on, I will be “creating the next” version of me – a student who lives in integrity, drive, and determination, and that will make the world a better place for others to live.
