One time in San Francisco, a former classmate remarked. "Yan si Faith... Ayaw mag pa kopya." Those were not the exact words but the message was Faith would not allow me to copy during exams.

Well... I was caught cheating once in high school. It was very embarrassing but... it was a lesson that made me understand the detriment of dishonesty. PDAF would not have happened if the people involved learned what I learnt about dishonesty. It is terribly shameful!

We studied English in the morning and Chinese in the afternoon during high school. English was great! Without studying, I could get a perfect score just listening to the lecture. For Chinese class, it was an entirely different story. I could understand the lecture but answering in Chinese characters was a struggle.

I had this POPULAR TEACHER who was loved by most students. In class, she shared to us a technique of cheating where she used her foot to turn the pages of the notebook. At a young age, my pick up was fast. I did not study for a Chinese exam and I did just that. Turned the pages of my notes using my foot during exam. And I got caught by my BEST TEACHER. I call her my BEST TEACHER because besides academics, she also taught me the lesson on character. I was asked to stay behind after class

I was not too worried about it. If I got a failing mark for that exam, I would study for the next exam to get a perfect score and average a passing mark. Besides... It was Chinese class. I was not running for honor roll.

BEST TEACHER started by telling me that she knew I was running for honor roll in English class. If I get a demerit for cheating in Chinese class, there was no way for me to be an honor student in English class. I was not prepared to hear what I just heard. That was the first time academic excellence was explained to me. I was mortified. I felt tears in my eyes. It was my last year in high school. I already got first place for English and Math competition. Closing the year with being first honor in my section was the final goal. She knew it affected me. But she wanted me to understand. She then told me that she was giving me another chance. I was to give my word that I will not do it again.

If educators chanced upon this blog, I wish them learning to become effective in mentors.