Student Blog: Showing Up Truthfully

When I first heard the term “academic integrity,” I’ll admit, I didn’t really think much of it. Rules, citations, and avoiding plagiarism…boring stuff. It sounded like a checklist, not something meaningful. But over time, I realized it’s really about honesty. Being honest with yourself, with your work, and with the people whose ideas or efforts you rely on. For me, academic integrity isn’t just about following rules; it’s about showing up fully and truthfully, even when it’s hard.

In school, academic integrity shows up in obvious ways like making sure a paper is my own, giving credit to sources, being honest in group projects, or asking for help when I need it instead of pretending I know everything. But in theater and the arts, it takes on a different form, one that’s maybe even more personal. When I perform, direct, or write about a show, I have to be honest about what I see, what I feel, and what I understand. I’ve spent countless hours on stage and backstage, and I’ve watched how much effort goes into even the smallest detail: a set piece, a costume, a prop, or a lighting cue. To me, respecting that work is part of integrity. It’s about being truthful in how I reflect or respond to it, rather than exaggerating or copying someone else’s ideas. It’s about honoring the people who poured themselves into creating something meaningful.

Academic integrity is also about being honest with myself. There are times when I have to admit I don’t know something, or that my first draft isn’t great, or that a performance didn’t go as planned. That can feel uncomfortable or even discouraging. But leaning into that discomfort has always made my work better. Doing the work honestly, even when it’s hard, means that what I create is truly mine. It means I can look at it later and know that I gave it my full effort, and that feels better than any shortcut ever could.

Sometimes academic integrity also feels like courage. It’s easy to cut corners, especially when deadlines are tight or when life feels overwhelming. But cutting corners might get you through the moment, it doesn’t make you proud of your work, and it doesn’t teach you anything. Integrity, on the other hand, is the choice to do your best even when no one is watching. It’s about accountability, owning both successes and mistakes, and using them as opportunities to grow.

I’ve also realized that academic integrity is deeply tied to respect, whether that is respect for teachers, classmates, collaborators, and audiences. Every time I submit a paper or perform on stage, I’m contributing my voice to a larger conversation. Maintaining integrity means that the voice is genuine. It shows respect for the people around me who have worked hard, shared their ideas, or trusted me to interpret their work thoughtfully. It keeps my own work grounded and meaningful.

At its core, academic integrity is about honesty, responsibility, and authenticity. It’s about more than following rules or avoiding penalties. It’s about showing up as yourself, respecting the work of others, and committing to effort and accountability, even when it’s uncomfortable. For me, integrity makes my work meaningful. It allows me to grow, to trust myself, and to be proud of the contributions I make. It’s not always easy, but it is so worth it.