Response to Peer Post (25)
Reflective Paper
Author’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Reflective Paper
My school maintains two important policies that I have been found in violation of, even if I did not violate them directly. I was found in violation of these policies not because I blatantly contravened them but because I was in the company of schoolmates who violated the policies. Based on my understanding of these policies, they outline some of the acceptable behaviors that we as students are expected to depict whenever we are within the school premises. One of these is a policy on behaviors during exams, which states that “students should not engage in the deliberate disregard of examination regulations such as not talking during exam time, using mobile phones, scripting possible answers on their arm, causing disruptions, and wearing headphones and earphones. Violations of any of these policy terms will be punishable by suspension from exams, removal of violators’ exam papers, and other sanctions deemed appropriate as established by exam invigilators.”
The second policy is on drugs and alcohol drinking, stating that “the school upholds drug-free standards of student conduct during all school events and functions and, hence, prohibits the possession, use, distribution, and concealment of alcohol, tobacco, steroids, and other types of illegal drugs on school premises. Anyone found in violation of these policy terms will be subject to progressive disciplinary measures outlined in the code of student conduct. Disciplinary actions would include one or a combination of the following: days’ suspension, letters of corrective action to parents or guardians, being checked out of school premises, and mandatory completion of an individual action plan to demonstrate how they will comply. Also, those expected or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and/or steroids will be identified, assessed, and reported consistent with legal provisions.”
I was in my dorm room when my fellows violated the school policy on drugs and alcohol, and I got checked out because I was in their company when the violations occurred. Although I was not drinking alcohol, one of the drinkers was in my dorm room, and this was why I was considered to be in policy violation and had to take responsibility. To be specific on the violations, one of my mates drank alcohol within the school compound after school meals. Another schoolmate drunk alcohol in the dormitory, and specifically in my dorm room. As regards the violation of the school policy on student behaviors during exams, one of my drunk colleagues came to the exam room and shouted during an exam week, causing disruptions. The violations culminated in him being suspended from the examination room consistent with the policy.
As I reflect on these violations, I have come to appreciate the value associated with the existence of these policies. For me, I think that these policies serve three purposes. The first is to provide a framework of rules, regulations, procedures, and standards of conduct that enforce appropriate and objective student behaviors. When my schoolmates violated the policies, they were subjected to disciplinary action because their behaviors failed to be consistent with this purpose. The purpose second is to stimulate a sense of accountability, expectation, norms of unity, and values aimed at ensuring safety, good education, and academic success. The last purpose is to reflect the school’s commitment to providing a function and structure essential in meeting the educational needs of learners while meeting the duty to promote their sense of responsibility.
I believe that besides serving these purposes, the two policies exist for three specific reasons. The first is to instill collective discipline and self-discipline in students. The second is to mold students’ moral principles of integrity, courtesy, and personal responsibility. The last is to ensure compliance with broader rules provided by the school district. In my case, I found myself implicated after the violations because I failed to uphold personal responsibility when I allowed my colleague to get drunk in my dorm room.
If placed in the same situation again, I would not act in the same way. My actions would be different in that I would restrain my pals from drinking from my dorm room if all they must drink. Also, I would find productive leisure time activities in which my buddies and I can engage such as hiking, group reading, and surfing, rather than allowing them to get drank. Lastly, I would act differently by sensitizing and advising them to recall the repercussions of going against the two policies. What I might consider when making my decisions is the need for me to avoid being implicated for failing to demonstrate personal responsibility when interacting with my schoolmates in actions that constitute policy violations. Another thing I would consider as influential to my decisions is the essence of being a positive influence on others rather than a negative influence.
