Don’t CHEAT, don’t STEAL, don’t LIE, don’t BULLY. You might not have heard of these four morals but as a Victorian, I am extremely familiar with it. All Victorians should know the importance and significance of it as our school places great emphasis on them. For me, I have not gone against my conscience in breaking these four ‘self laws’. Unfortunately, I have witnessed it, to make it even worse; it was my classmate, my friend.
Earlier this year, I was in a dilemma, whether to turn him in, to let him go unscathed or to have a personal talk with him. Maverick was a secondary two pupil who had a big build . He was the kind of pupil who would hand up assignments promptly and was a ‘cool’ and popular figure in school. It was the start of a new year and secondary one students would be admitted into our school. As we have already spent a year in Victoria School, no longer the green horns, loved to look and have a laugh about the new pupils in our school.
Out of the blue, Maverick asked me if I wanted to join him in making fun of one of the pupils. I thought he was only kidding and so I did not say anything. Who knew that he immediately went to work that afternoon. I heard a familiar voice and took a peep, to my dismay, it was Maverick, so I decided to stay and watch the whole scene. He went up to this petite secondary one pupil and started making fun of him, insulting and intimidating the boy as he towered over him. Maverick gave a little pat on his face, telling him to watch out before turning and leaving. From the boy’s expressions I could tell that he was terrified and on the verge of crying.
Feeling raged, I went to Maverick the next day and told him what I saw and asked him to explain his actions. Not feeling the least remorseful, he actually told me that he was expecting me to join him. I was taken by surprise with his response and reminded him of our four school morals; of which one of them is not to bully and furthermore to a boy half his size. Seeing Maverick not at all guilty of what he did, I told him to apologize to the boy or I would turn him to the teacher for disciplinary action.
Not realizing his wrong doing Maverick refused to apologize. I then decided to report this matter to the form teacher and Maverick was given a formal warning.
On my way home that day, I wondered if I had made the right decision in turning Maverick to the teacher. Would he become more defiant after being reprimanded? Would he repent after being counselled by the teacher?
I hope I had not lost a friend in doing so but I just could not see him turning to the dark side without taking any action. Furthermore, I would be lying to myself for consenting Maverick’s behaviour. Till now, I do not regret for what I have done. I hope Maverick would understand one day.
Maverick, I would just like to tell you that although its too late to 'apologize', u can still make it up by turning over a new leaf, I believe you can do it!