When Being Honest Becomes a Serious Mistake
When telling the truth gets you into more difficulty than lying, what should you do?
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
I was in the sixth semester of medical school at the time. Naturally, lectures expect more from you and are less forgiving of mistakes. Imagine how terrified I was for failing to sit for a Histology practical exam on time. “Calm down,” I said.
I scheduled a re-test, notified the relevant people and completed the necessary paperwork, only to be shocked when I received an email a few days later saying, “Application Not Approved.”
You’ve had the feeling, right? When something seemed little and straightforward. As a result, you took it easy. Only to see that it had turned into something much bigger. And you grasped the gravity and seriousness of the situation.
“Should I have faked an MC (Medical Certificate), like so many others before me?” In the thick of it all, I wondered. Why do some people get away with lying while I get tangled up in the truth?”
As I sat in front of my lecturer, weeping, he said something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
“You’ll discover later on, that being a good student entails more than just being smart. It’s also a bumpy administrative road. However, the good ones will always stand out from the bad. And your teachers will be aware of that. Keep your integrity with you, and it will take you far.”
I held true to my words. Apologized for a genuine mistake. It resulted in a meeting with the dean and many letters to the administrative staff. In addition, I had numerous conversations with my lecturers and lab assistants. I was successful — with a stern reminder that the mistake will not be repeated. The re-test was taken and passed. A few days ago, I took my mid-block exams together with everyone else.
So what do you do when telling the truth gets you into more difficulty than lying? You stay true to yourself and believe that the world has a special place for people with integrity.
But I’m not sure if I’d come to the same conclusion if I hadn’t been able to take my examinations and had to re-module the block next year, which would mean I’d have to wait another year to graduate. “I’d be upset at myself and the system if that happened”, I reasoned. But delays, are a gift from God too. And I’d be curious to see where life leads me once I get to slow down from the academic rigor.
FOMO would be a strong feeling for me (Fear of Missing Out) as I’d watch my friends graduate on time. And I’d berate myself mercilessly for that mishap. But some mistakes are better learned early on, rather than later when I begin my hospital attachments. I'm simply relieved that I won't have to find out.
Basrah is a Year 3 Medical Student in FK UMSU, Medan who is also an aspiring authorpreneur. Read Basrah's humble beginnings, "From Rejection to Motivation". Feel free to send Basrah a message here.