Why GPA is Not a Reflection of Your Self-Worth

Cheating culture has been around since school throughout the history of education. It is inevitable that cheating can allow students to get ahead with minimal effort.However, in recent years it has become more common everywhere, especially within education systems. Educators have been struggling to figure out why these rates have increased. Especially when most students obviously know that cheating is morally and ethically wrong. 

Students , maybe in your own school,  are cheating through buying answers or searching it up and have managed to get ahead academically. They have managed to get good GPA’s and have amazing grades! But what about the ones who still try? The ones that stay up late, trying to memorize as much as they can before their test tomorrow. The ones who do practice questions over and over until the concept finally clicks. The ones who spend hours on their assignments trying to finish it, no matter how long it is. These people aren't just chasing grades, but they are chasing knowledge. They want to internalize the concepts and master them because they are genuinely interested.  But when one learns something, mistakes are bound to happen; learning isn’t perfect! Lower scores and setbacks are natural steps towards understanding. Every mistake, though, is a step closer to learning the concept. When they see these kids around them scoring perfectly for everything, it can make them feel… stupid. 

Maybe the real question isn't why honest students feel stupid, but why a system exists where doing the right thing feels like losing. The education system, not just for the U.S but worldwide, has become more focused on numbers - grades, GPA , etc. Students often feel the need to cheat so they can meet high expectations and stay competitive. I always thought honesty was something you had to sacrifice in order to keep up. Now, I have realized that it is the one thing that helps define who you become.. Being honest will not always get you ahead, but it builds perseverance and confidence within yourself over time, so that you can do hard things on your own.

Honest students are not ‘stupid’ in any way. They are choosing to grow when efforts are not always rewarded. There will be moments where it certainly feels easier. Easier is not always better, and will not benefit you in the long run. The ups and downs are what truly get you ahead in the end.  

Illustration by Aayushi S