Yesterday I received a call from a potential client. It started off with some typical questions, how much do I charge, what do I typically teach. Then suddenly my prospect got down to what he REALLY wanted me to do. 

“I want you to write an essay for an ACT prep course,” he said.

“I’m sorry?”

“I want to give my cousin a gift to help her out in this course.”

Completely taken aback I told the man flat out, “I won’t do that.” 

You see, I’m a high school English teacher in a public school tutoring people on the side and honing my craft. This kind of request goes completely against my values because who *learned* anything in this process? 

Secondly, it made me sick to think that someone would want to pay me to cheat on a course when there are tons of kids out there busting their butts to get into courses and pass them. I see it every day. Kids from poor backgrounds who don’t have rich uncles who will willingly scour Craig’s List ads for “tutors” will cheat for a price.

Guess how much he offered? 

$300!

I learned a long time ago there was another man way back in Gethsemane who was betrayed for a similar amount, just take off a zero.  

No way, man. Not today. Not ever.

What I will do is teach a young person how to improve academic papers. I have the experience with kids that gains their confidence on the very first day of lessons and keeps them having fun and engaged in learning. This is vitally important if kids are to develop the confidence necessary to achieve at a high level, such as admission to an elite high school or college. 

– Christian M. McFarland