8 Ethical Tests

I remember being a treasurer for one school year during high school. During the last days of the
school year, most students were done with their exams and few students remain. Since I was a treasurer, I
was tasked to handle the funds for the water and other funds in our class. At that time, some of the funds
were left with me and a suggestion to just use these funds popped up. One reasoning is that these funds
were also our money, so we decided to use the funds for our benefit. Looking back, it was one instance
that tested my ethical judgement.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is one rule that I continuously strive to
follow. Looking back at the instance I have shared, I remember contemplating before actually
surrendering to the temptation of bliss. It was a sinful thing to do since it is not a truthful act. Still, a small
act of corruption is still corruption. I have come to realize how one can easily be affected by the
temptation of money. Even in small groups, small acts of corruption occur. Maybe that is why I have
come to believe that corruption is something that happens regularly in life.
It is kind of contradicting when people get very upset when discussing the corruption in politics
when in reality, most people succumb to the temptation. After the instance during high school, I have
become more mindful when it comes to handling money since I know how temptation can affect my
judgement. I have grown up with fair supervision from my parents; I have learnt from their teachings and
by observation. I know they will greatly oppose if they knew what I did since it is unethical. However,
growing up observing them, I realized how corruption comes in many forms, small to big. It is very easy
to succumb to it and seeing them succumb to it at times also tests my judgement. I have come at the age
to share my thoughts and I often tell them that these things are not right and it is not what they taught me.
I have only come to a conclusion that living up to your principles is challenging.
Thou shall not steal. This I one of the earliest lessons that my religion has taught me, hence, my
past action is deemed sinful. I consider myself not a very religious person however that does not mean
that I do not follow a religious belief. While growing up, more doubts cloud my mind as I began to see
the truth which includes that about my religion. I know corruption is highly loathed however it is easy to
be shaken when you read or learn of histories about the involvement of your religion in corruption.
Indeed, I would feel guilty after doing such action, however knowing how most people carelessly does it
somehow minimizes the guilt which introduces a new reason for guilt. If I was a third person in a scenario
involving corruption, there is no doubt that I would lose respect to the person involved. Ever since then, I
have completely regretted the small act of corruption. I admit that I lost some self-respect however it
taught me a lesson and I have had years to gain the self-respect.
I am aware how people can be judgmental and hypocritical when it comes to issues like this. I do
not feign innocence with my statement because I admit being judgmental and hypocritical. I could not
imagine how I would feel knowing that my action was to be flashed around. I think all of us felt ashamed
of what we did so it remained as a secret to me and my colleagues.
After evaluating and answering the eight ethical questions, I have come to a conclusion that ones
principles or ethical judgement will always be challenged by circumstances in life.
Macagba, Jamila Aria G.
2012-13341
EE 90