Allison Asimakoupoulos writes in Campus Life:
My first grade teacher, Mrs. Ayres, taught me things I needed to know to start school right, including one important rule: "Keep your eyes on your own paper." It was a simple rule, but one that has stuck with me over the years. Unfortunately, it's not a rule everybody chooses to follow.
Recently I encountered one of the "rule breakers" during an English exam. Every time I answered a question, I felt like somebody was watching me a little too closely. I turned my head and glanced at Joel (not his real name), who sat right behind me. He gave me a wink and whispered, "I hope you studied for this test!"
I gave him a wary smile, not sure if he was joking or not, and returned to my test. This time I leaned more closely to my answer sheet.
"I can't see!" Joel whispered.
What am I going to do? I thought to myself. Along with being a strict follower of Mrs. Ayres's rule, I'm also a Christian, and cheating goes against my beliefs. Besides, I'd studied hard for the test. Apparently Joel hadn't. Why should he sponge off my hard work?
I curled my arm around my answers. Then, just like in the movies, that mini-angel and mini-devil seemed to pop up on each of my shoulders: "He's your friend, and what are friends for?" "You know it's wrong." "But he'll think you're a snob." "Remember Mrs. Ayres." "But he'll think you're self-righteous."
I tapped my nails nervously on the top of my desk, hoping for an easy way out of this mess. No easy answer came. I knew I had to do what I felt was right, even if it made Joel mad. For the rest of the test, I guarded my paper so there was no way he could cheat off me.
When class ended, I stood to leave and faced Joel's icy glare. If looks could kill, my parents would have been planning my funeral that afternoon. I stood there for a moment wondering what to say. I felt guilty for not letting him cheat, but then guilt turned into anger. He has no right to make me feel guilty! I felt like telling him off. But then a verse I'd memorized came to mind: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
I felt my need for revenge melt away. While I needed to let him know I felt cheating was wrong, I didn't want to destroy a friendship. "Sorry, Joel, but you know me well enough to know how I feel about cheating," I said. "But maybe I could help you study before the next test."
I watched as Joel's expression softened. "OK, Allison. I'll give it a try."
I felt relieved that my friendship with Joel hadn't been destroyed. Even more, I was glad I'd stood up for my values. Mrs. Ayres would have been proud. I'm sure God was too.