The definition of “integrity” is adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character, or honesty.
Integrity was shown to me by my father. Being in the military, it was one of the most important things to have in his life and what he wanted his children to have as well.
The definition that I was given was one that was more literal and could be applied to everyday life. It is when you do the right thing whether you are being watched or not.
I believe we as high schoolers have lost the meaning or value of it. High schoolers believe “If no one knows then there is no harm done.” Wrong. No matter if someone can see it or not, the right thing should always be done. Even if there is no harm done to others, you are just hurting yourself inside. Most don’t realize it.
Think of this: if there was $50 laying on the floor in the hallway, would you pick it up, leave it, or would you do the right thing and turn it in to the office? Most would not think twice about picking up the money and just putting it in a pocket and walking away. Now think about if that $50 was yours that you dropped. Which would you rather someone do?
There are so many instances where integrity comes into play, but people seem to ignore it.
Technology makes everything so much easier in our times. So when going into a test you don’t have to write answers down on a piece of paper anymore or write them down on your ankle acting like it is the most interesting part of your body during class. Cell phones and computers have made everything so much easier.
It comes down to printing out the whole test that you are taking ahead of time and memorizing answers. Instead of doing the more intelligent way and actually studying, we as students have gotten lazy.
If you really think about it, thinking of lies and making up excuses to cover up bad decisions takes more thought and effort than actually doing the good that life has intended us to do.
Integrity should start becoming a part of our everyday lives again before we all create a world for ourselves that in the end we may not like. Be smart and take the challenge.