Commentary by Jacob Norris, 5th grade, Hinkle Creek Elementary
The NoblesvilleWORKS initiative is a campaign that will highlight a monthly “soft skill.” The campaign is comprised of work by Noblesville Schools administrators and counselors, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Ivy Tech, Work One, Noblesville Economic Development, non-profit organizations and several local businesses. In a partnership with Current in Noblesville, students who are part of the NoblesvilleWORKS initiative will have their monthly essays published. November’s “soft skill” was Honesty. For more, visit stayheregrowhere.com/Noblesville-Works/.
Honesty is a moral characteristic or trait of a good person. Honesty means being fair, truthful and trustworthy. If you are an honest person, your life will go along smoothly.
As a child, it is still very important. Things such as cheating on a test or lying to your parents is being dishonest and will cause you trouble. However, if you were caught doing something wrong, and you were honest and admitted it, you may get off easier than if you were to deny it. Thomas Jefferson even wrote a letter to Nathaniel Macon in which it said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
As you get older and go into college, honesty becomes even more important. You must not allow other students to copy off your exams, and you may not lend papers to others. In college, cheating or using unauthorized materials, as well as plagiarism, an illegal act of using another human’s ideas as your own, could land you in major trouble. These could end your college career as well as jeopardize your future. Even William Shakespeare said, “No legacy is as rich as honesty.”
Finally, honesty will help you in a job. Employers want an honest worker who will get the job done truthfully and will work hard to make others happy. Also, if you lie to an authoritative person, such as a cop or city worker, you can go to jail. Michelle Obama said, “We learned honesty and integrity – that the truth matters … That you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules … and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.”
Honesty is a crucial part of our lives. It is what keeps a life morally straight. As Benjamin Franklin said,” Honesty is the best policy.”
