Honesty: The Best Policy

This past week in Chemistry discussion, we got our latest tests back. I received the highest score I think I have ever gotten on a chemistry exam. It was only an 88%, but for me, that is good. I was so ecstatic. But, by the end of the class time, I had discovered that I had been scored 5 points higher than I deserved. I was shocked, saddened, and in a state of distress. I never look over my tests thoroughly. I never check to see if they added the points correctly, but I had noticed the mistake on this test, and now, a decision was before me. Should I report the blunder, or should I not? It took me about 5 seconds to decide what I would do, but after that, for another couple of minutes I thought about how great it would be if I didn't tell. However, with the knowledge that I would feel guilty until I died, I approached the TA after class and told her. She sat for a minute and said, "Well, I could ask your professor, or no, actually, we missed it, so it is our mistake. Just keep the score, and don't say anything to the professor." I was not relieved, but somewhat appeased and considered following her command. I went to the Institute to meet Eric for lunch, and told him I needed some moral counseling. He was happy to provide advice and so I told him the story. He, in such a mature way said, "What do you think you should do?" I of course, said, "I think I should tell the professor, or I think I will never have relief." He said, "Well there you go." What a fabulous mentor! So I emailed my professor, and this is what he emailed back: "I appreciate your honesty. That is worth a few points right there! So, you can keep the 5 points, and keep being honest!" I almost cried I was so relieved. And that has been my good news for the entire week. I keep reminding Eric of the event, saying, "Do you remember how I got to keep my points?!" I think he is getting sick of it. Hopefully I will be able to move on to recalling a wonderful score for Physics soon! Not likely, but one can always hope.