“Everyone does it”.

During my stint in high school there were numerous times where I saw my fellow classmates cheating. Most times subtle; other times so obvious it pained me that my teacher didn’t see the girl in the third row turn around to her friend during a brain burning test and getting the answers without having to strain a brain cell.

Of course, I’m probably guilty of the same. Though, not as bad as test cheating, I copied down homework from my friends prior to our art history class. In my defense I worked my little brain on overdrive to scan through that huge book to look for the answers. But when it comes to being midnight on a Sunday and all you want to do is close your eyes and go to la-la land, cheating does not look too bad.

As I got into college cheating became something you didn’t really talk about. Sure, you’re told not to do cheat. Warned that you’ll be kicked out of school and what not – but when you’re under the gun of passing sixteen units, working a full time job, sometimes you just have to give yourself a break and do a little bad thing.

Yes, yes yes. I know. Cheating is bad. It is unethical. It is a horrible habit that could ruin you in every respect. But taking on the desperate side of the spectrum, not everyone can be blamed for trying to make ends meet. The above story cites the Wikipedia as a form of ‘cheating’ whereas some think it is just a method of help. It would be very, very interesting to go through your whole high school and college career using only Wikipedia. I hope someone, someday tests that theory.
—Eming Piansay