If you’ve been in high school for any length of time, you’ve probably heard some pretty wild rumors about how the school operates. One such rumor that has been making the rounds lately is that if someone were to die during an exam, all the other students present would automatically pass. It’s a shocking idea that raises a lot of questions about how schools prioritize academic success over human life.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a senior at this school.
So, I wanted to ask you about a rumor that’s been circulating lately. It’s been said that if someone were to die during an exam, all the other students present would automatically pass. Have you heard this rumor?
Sarah: Yes, I have. It’s been going around for a while now.
What do you think of this idea?
Sarah: Honestly, it’s a little ridiculous. I don’t think anyone should have to die just for the rest of us to pass an exam. It’s not fair to the person who died or their family. Plus, I don’t think it’s a good idea to incentivize students to not help someone who is in trouble.
That’s a good point. Do you think this rumor has any basis in reality?
Sarah: I don’t think so. I mean, it sounds like something that would only happen in a movie or TV show. I don’t think any school would actually have a policy like that.
That’s a fair assessment. Do you think this rumor is harmful in any way?
Sarah: Yes, I do. I think it promotes a culture of selfishness and indifference to the well-being of others. It’s not something we should be encouraging in our school or society.
Absolutely. Do you have any advice for students who may be feeling pressure to succeed at any cost, even if it means ignoring the needs of others?
Sarah: My advice would be to remember that your education is important, but it’s not worth sacrificing your values or your humanity for. We should all strive to be kind and compassionate to one another, even in the face of stress and pressure. That’s what being a good student and a good person is all about.
When asked about the rumor that all students present would pass if someone were to die during an exam, Rachel is quick to dismiss it as nothing more than a myth. “I’ve never heard of anything like that actually happening,” she says. “It’s just one of those things that people say to make themselves feel better about the pressure they’re under.”
However, Rachel does believe that this rumor is indicative of a larger problem in our school culture. “The fact that this rumor exists at all speaks to how much pressure we put on ourselves and each other to succeed,” she says. “It’s not healthy, and it can lead to some really dangerous behaviors.”
Rachel also points out that this rumor is problematic in that it incentivizes students to ignore the well-being of their peers. “If someone were to die during an exam, the last thing on anyone’s mind should be whether or not they’re going to pass,” she says. “We should be focused on helping that person and doing everything we can to prevent something like that from happening in the first place.”
When asked what she thinks needs to be done to combat this culture of academic pressure, Rachel is optimistic. “I think we need to start by talking openly and honestly about the problem,” she says. “We need to create a space where students can talk about the pressures they’re under and the toll that it’s taking on their mental health.”
Rachel also believes that schools should be doing more to prioritize the well-being of their students. “We need to be teaching kids that success is about more than just grades,” she says. “It’s about being a well-rounded person who can think critically, communicate effectively, and empathize with others.”
Gigi Astrid Monares is a second-year high school student in Washington. She spent her entire childhood in the Philippines before she immigrated to the US in 2018. She became a journalist because she enjoys photography. Her hobbies are watching Korean dramas and listening to music to keep her from becoming distracted while working. Although she’s still considering her options for the future, for the time being, Gigi simply wants to be able to graduate from high school and figure it out.