Honesty if the Best Policy by Grace

Honesty if the Best Policy by Grace - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson I have learned from a teacher is the value of honesty. Teachers are people too, and when stuck in a difficult situation, it’s best to just tell the truth. There’s a good chance they’ll understand and be empathetic. Some teachers may appear intimidating or mean, as if they won’t be accepting or accommodating. I’ve learned that it’s best to get over this fear of rejection and tell the truth. The worst that could happen is that they’ll say no, or they won’t understand. When it comes to school, telling the truth and being honest is a good trait to have because it can improve student-teacher relationships, and prevent a lot of trouble.

I haven’t exactly had the easiest life, and I ended up missing a lot of days or classes in high school. Despite this, I still cared about my grades, so I would always turn in work late. Of course, when work is turned in late, an official excuse note is usually required. At first, I would make up excuses, usually medical, to get late work excused. This became difficult when my teachers would ask what medical condition I had, and I would have to make something up, usually about my stomach or my heart. I was too embarrassed to tell them the truth - I suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) - which makes it difficult for me to function and complete everyday tasks. One day, a teacher confronted me about being confused on my situation. She said, “If something is going on in your life, please feel free to tell me, I’ll listen as best I can, and I will try to understand, and try to help you. That’s what I’m here for. I’m sure other teachers feel the same.” Because of this, I decided to tell the truth. I explained to my teachers what was actually going on with me, and why school is so difficult for me. This was very liberating, and I was glad I did it. Their responses were ones of understanding, and they allowed me to make up work and re-take tests at my own pace. Telling the truth, in this case, gave me an opportunity to improve my grades, and allowed me create a better relationship with each of my teachers.