Young Woman Helps Her Friend with College Applications, But When She Learns Copied Her Own Essay, She Makes a Difficult Decision That Threatens Her Friend’s Future.

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In an unexpected turn of events, the Original Poster (OP), a diligent college student, finds her college essay reproduced in her friend Tia’s successful college application. Outraged by the theft, OP seeks justice, leading to Tia losing a cherished college place and a full scholarship. However, with public sentiment turning against her, will OP’s pursuit of justice cost her more than she expected?

Friends in Transition

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OP, a 19-year-old college sophomore, finds herself supporting Tia, her 18-year-old high school friend, through the stressful process of applying for colleges and scholarships. The close friendship takes a critical twist when Tia gains early acceptance to her dream college.

The Mysterious Essay

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Initially, OP is thrilled for her friend, who received a full scholarship, unaware of the storm brewing. A mutual friend praises Tia’s college application essay, describing it as moving and beautifully written about her experience fighting discrimination on the cheer squad in high school.

An Unexpected Accolade

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Intrigued and curious, OP requests to see this brilliant essay, believing Tia simply forgot to share it with her. The air of pride and celebration is disrupted as the contents of the essay unfold before her eyes.

Unveiling the Betrayal

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Shock and disbelief sweep over OP as she reads Tia’s essay, recognizing it as her own college application draft, shown to Tia as an example of writing technique. The sense of betrayal is profound as OP realizes Tia plagiarized her deeply personal essay.

Broken Trust

Tia completely ripped off OP’s writing and personal experience, tweaking only minor elements. Anger swells within OP, a sharp contrast to the trust that previously underscored their friendship.

Gathering the Evidence

image credit: shutterstockWith her fury providing the drive, OP amasses proof of her assistance in Tia’s college application process, including the damning evidence of the original essay she shared with Tia. OP fights for her stolen intellectual property.

A Heavy Blow

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The gravity of Tia’s actions is revealed as OP presents her case to the college. In a decisive twist, Tia is stripped of her full scholarship and loses her place at the school. The unexpected severity of this outcome leaves her family and friends reeling.

The Tides of Public Opinion

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While OP grapples with her emotions, the public response takes a darker turn. Accusations of drama and excessive harshness are leveled at OP, as she is condemned for stealing Tia’s educational opportunities. Sympathy abounds for Tia, complicating OP’s sense of justice.

Shattering a Family’s Dream

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Tia would have been the first in her family to gain college admission and an academic and athletic scholarship. Once part of her cheer squad, OP now finds herself on the opposing side, confronted with the devastation of Tia’s family dreams.

Actions Have Consequences

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The consequences of Tia’s actions and OP’s response resonate deeply within their community, from their high school to their mutual friends. Everyone weighs in with their opinion on the developing scandal.

The Divided Community

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Most outright cast blame on Tia’s plagiarism, while others think her friend should have kept her secret. Tia’s parents share their feelings of pain and anger at their daughter and on her behalf. The cheer squad becomes aware of the scandal and publicly shuns the outgoing member.

Aftershocks

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OP is left grappling with a profound sense of guilt in the wake of the conflict. She struggles with the duality of her situation – a victim who feels responsible for the perpetrator’s downfall. This intense conflict between self-defense and guilt burdens OP.

The Unseen Enemy

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Tia confesses to being under intense pressure to succeed, causing her to resort to desperate measures. She argues that the unbearable weight of expectation and desperation drove her to such extremes.

Was The Collegiate’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her story online for feedback and perspective. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses: