One out of the many challenges I faced as a teacher is saying No to examination malpractice. It was fear of being rejected by my fellow teachers who didn't see anything wrong in this cankerworm that had eaten deep into the system of Education. Also, the Idea of trying to please the school system, students and their parents also wants to make me comply to this ugly trend.
The first time I found myself involving in it, I knew it wasn't right, I knew my faith is against it, I knew I wasn't helping the students as well, and my whole being wasn't in line with it, engaging in practice I have in one time or the other curse is one thing I didn't bargain for, but the fear of being rejected by my other colleagues who involved in it, or the fact that I will be tagged 'holy Mary' or 'Jesus P A' didn't sit well with me, so I joined.
After, the first incident, I realized I was battling low self esteem, because if not for that why would fear of rejection defined me, or pleasing others will be above my own desire? Then, I realized saying no isn't bad, evil or being wicked. I have to learn how to stand on my choice even if it means standing alone, expecially on a good course like this, then the world will adjust! I resolved.
A year later after this incident, it was time for another external exam of it's kind, and this time around I didn't shake, I went to school as usual, I didn't listen to any side talk, until the colleague in charge of the external examination called me into his office. One interesting gist about the whole issue is that the system would not even present it as if is examination malpractice that should be avoided like a plaque, but should be an embrace phenomenon, it's just like helping them, the students to attained their feats early in life. So, he presented the exam questions of the day to me to go and attempt the question before the commencement of the exam! Such Audacity.
As usual, fear began to crept in, the Idea of helping the students not to fail, and making the school go viral as a school with academic excellence which will attract all and sundry and parents bring in their wards almost tempt me. But, I remembered my resolution and my diligence in preparing the students for the period, how I have laboured, toiled and was so sure of them. I have gave class exercises, assignments, group works and marked and their records satisfied me. Even if their records didn't satisfied me, I have tried.
Right there, I told the senior colleague that I can't do it, I have done it before and my conscience has been judging me, he asked me if I wasn't happy about the fact that the students that year all make their papers? I told him, even though they make their papers, it was in shady way,and I felt bad for being part of it. The students could have come out in flying colours, everyone of them would have seen themselves in the mirror and how they really are academically, but we denied them that opportunity. Immediately after this conversation, I felt at peace, elated. He asked me to leave.
After the exam, some of the students changed towards me, some didn't even greet me properly again, but I was at peace with myself and that is the only thing that matter. Ever since that conversation, the school management know my stand, and never for once did the school brings to my notice of helping the students or any of the exam candidates out during exam. If it has to be about toiling on the students before exam, I will organise extra class, give assignment and satisfy myself before the exam.
Embracing the power of saying no is a game changer for me, it built my self confidence, and to me saying no is not negativity, it's me prioritizing my needs, resolution and my being intentional of my way of life.
The image is mine.
I am inviting 
