Madison Huerta
Clear Falls High School
Class of 2014
In elementary school we are taught the difference between right and wrong, that for every action there is a reaction, and that every decision has a consequence. We are taught at an early age to set goals for ourselves and we are told that the sky is the limit to the incredible endeavors we might accomplish in our lives. We are pushed by our parents, our teachers, and most importantly ourselves. Motivated by a passion for success we strive to do our part in making the world a better place. But somewhere along the way, because of our competitive environment, we forget the difference between right and wrong and give in to temptation. We lose ourselves in the competition of the 21st century, the brutal fight for class rank, and in our determination to achieve our goals.
This competition that high school has become teaches us how to survive in the world, it teaches us to push ourselves, and to never settle for less than we are fully capable of. It also results in sleepless nights and desperation. Desperation caused by our good intention, by our want for success, and by our drive for achievement. Then in our lowest moment, we become so desperate to reach our goal that we lower ourselves, lose faith in ourselves, and subscribe to lower standards. We forget the original reason we are working so hard and we cheat. We tell ourselves it will just be a one-time thing, but that one-time thing becomes a habit before we realize what we’re doing. The college admissions process has become so competitive that we almost feel compelled to cheat. As the writers of this student honor code we understand the pressure put on students, but the importance of not cheating has been degraded and too often cheating is used as an escape from the rigorous classes we choose to put ourselves through.
We, as student leaders of CCISD, believe that the goal of the district is to adequately prepare us for our futures, no matter what that means, and in order to do that we feel that we must take a stand on cheating to prevent ourselves from worse consequences in the future. Nothing positive will ever derive from cheating and if students cheat then they are at a disadvantage in the global workforce as they will not be adequately prepared. It isn't fair to anyone. We hope that we can make a difference in the lives of our peers through this honor code and I can only hope that something I do today will have a positive impact on someone tomorrow.
Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” As students of CCISD we have the courage to stand up and speak against what is wrong, to level the playing field for every student, and to create a more honest working environment. While we hope that we are giving students the courage to believe in themselves enough to do their work independently and not resort to cheating.
Although the new honor code has received a positive reaction, it is intensely debated at my school and I understand my peers’ negative reactions to the honor codes strict consequences. They believe they are too harsh, but what they do not understand is that they are not as harsh as the long term ramifications cheating can cause later in life.
I am grateful to be in a district that takes cheating so seriously. I am confident that my peers are intelligent enough and strong enough to do their work independently. I am proud to be a part of the creation of the Clear Creek ISD Student Honor Code and believe this honor code will change the outlook students have on cheating for generations to come.