Act Ethically
Acting ethically means confronting situations with noble character and then responding with action that is just and righteous.
Strong Moral Compass
|
Prudence
|
Virtuous
|
Reads & Counts Library Incident
Since January of 2011 I have had the privilege of serving as a Texas A&M University Reads & Counts tutor at a local elementary school in Bryan, Texas. I help kindergarteners through fifth graders in math and reading. I love my job because each day is new and different, however, not each day is easy.
One day when I was working with one of my first grade students, a librarian spoke very harshly to my student after trying to check out a book. I felt that the librarian mishandled the situation, and I knew that it would not be just if I left the situation as it was. I wrote an email to my coordinator to let him know about the situation and how I felt about it.
The names in the document have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
One day when I was working with one of my first grade students, a librarian spoke very harshly to my student after trying to check out a book. I felt that the librarian mishandled the situation, and I knew that it would not be just if I left the situation as it was. I wrote an email to my coordinator to let him know about the situation and how I felt about it.
The names in the document have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
Record of Library Incident | |
File Size: | 101 kb |
File Type: |
After the incident happened with my student in the library of our school, I drove home from work that day with tears in my eyes. I knew that my student was treated with disregard to their dignity. The discipline taught instilled only fear, but I knew that my student deserved better than that. All of my students deserve a life better than one lived in fear, just like every soul on this earth, and so I knew that I had to do something about the situation.
I was nervous about making a decision responding to the incident, but after seeking the advice of trusted friends and careful discernment, I quickly decided that I needed to notify my coordinator about the incident. I talked to my coordinator in person, and then I emailed him an honest record of the incident and how I felt.
After I had notified my coordinator of the incident and my feelings on the situation, I felt so much peace about how I responded. I had to stand up for what I believed in. If I had done nothing about the situation, what would it mean for me to say that I truly value and respect the dignity of each of my students? My words would not have that much meaning. If I had not acted, I know that I would feel guilty for not advocating on behalf of my students. As a tutor, I was given the responsibility to care for and nurture each of my students, and I am so honored to really speak for them and protect them.
My coordinator thanked me for my honesty and trustworthiness in seeking to take care of the situation, and so did our program's staff contact at our school. Our contact appreciated knowing what happened because if nobody says anything about a concern, nothing can be done regarding the situation. It was a simple affirmation that I did the right thing in not keeping the situation to myself.
Although the situation is now out of my hands, I trust that it has moved to the right hands. I have been empowered that I can make a difference, whether by sending an email or setting an example of treating others, both young and old, with respect. I am so thankful that I was able to stand up for someone who does not have a voice like I do. I hope and pray that I can continue to advocate for students, and that I can give them an integral quality education: not just reading and counting, but teaching them that all lives are valuable and precious, especially their own. If I can teach them to live a life that reflects their dignity and the dignity of others, I know that they will be able to act ethically, too.
I was nervous about making a decision responding to the incident, but after seeking the advice of trusted friends and careful discernment, I quickly decided that I needed to notify my coordinator about the incident. I talked to my coordinator in person, and then I emailed him an honest record of the incident and how I felt.
After I had notified my coordinator of the incident and my feelings on the situation, I felt so much peace about how I responded. I had to stand up for what I believed in. If I had done nothing about the situation, what would it mean for me to say that I truly value and respect the dignity of each of my students? My words would not have that much meaning. If I had not acted, I know that I would feel guilty for not advocating on behalf of my students. As a tutor, I was given the responsibility to care for and nurture each of my students, and I am so honored to really speak for them and protect them.
My coordinator thanked me for my honesty and trustworthiness in seeking to take care of the situation, and so did our program's staff contact at our school. Our contact appreciated knowing what happened because if nobody says anything about a concern, nothing can be done regarding the situation. It was a simple affirmation that I did the right thing in not keeping the situation to myself.
Although the situation is now out of my hands, I trust that it has moved to the right hands. I have been empowered that I can make a difference, whether by sending an email or setting an example of treating others, both young and old, with respect. I am so thankful that I was able to stand up for someone who does not have a voice like I do. I hope and pray that I can continue to advocate for students, and that I can give them an integral quality education: not just reading and counting, but teaching them that all lives are valuable and precious, especially their own. If I can teach them to live a life that reflects their dignity and the dignity of others, I know that they will be able to act ethically, too.