INTRODUCTION

| |- People most times do not depict what they seem. Sometimes we get betrayed by people we least expected such an act from and this has led to a mass reduction on the level of trust we have for people. In our today world, we judge people based on what we have experienced from other people even when they come with good intentions, the fear of the unknown doesn't allow us to have a clear impress about them because one or two persons haave already tarnished the images of all. ![IMG-20250412-WA0189.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNt51Fhu2vXcF7FxT6Cf8rnqjis3J9dMc9XBd5mZm6LSE/IMG-20250412-WA0189.jpg)

THE STORY

| |- I organized a general class group for my secondary school classmates when we were almost done with school because I wanted everyone to be in touch with one another even school. Surprisingly, the group has been in existence since that time till date and most of the goals and objectives of the group have been achieved with ease because there exist that closeness and cooperation amongst us. **But few days ago, something bad happened and I'm ashamed of it.** >>Here is what happened One of us in that *class group* dropped a chat that he wants to sell out his *gold chain* with a photo of the chain attached to the chat. To be honest, the photo of the piece was eye catching but due to my scale of preferences and that of others, we only appreciated the piece of gold in words but didn't show any interest of buying. In no time, one of us in that group chat developed interest towards the piece and decided to buy it. At this point, the buyer and the seller has moved their chat out of the main group to their private group to have a proper discussion towards the business transaction. >>What happened few hours after that Having gone offline for a while, I logged back to the group realising that the transaction was not successful. Since I'm the head of the class, I immediately placed a call on the person that wanted to sell the gold chain and he narrated his own part of the story. After I was done with the call, I wasn't satisfied with his story. I called the second person (the guy that wanted to buy the piece) and he gave a different story entirely. After analysing both stories, I came to understand that the seller asked the buyer to send money for the gold chain when the chain wasn't even in his possession. After they both agreed on the price, the guy that wanted to buy the chain transferred the money without hesitation. But unfortunately, after the money transfer was made and he requested for what he paid for, the seller ghosted him and this led to a very big issue. The guy that wanted to buy the chain ran back to the group and layed the complain that he has been scammed. At first we didn't believe him, but after some findings by our investigation team, we discovered that the victim was saying the truth. We were shocked because we couldn't imagine anyone in that group to have such an attitude. But well, we later accepted the fate because people change just as seasons do. Our class executive members which I'm leading took it upon themselves to resolve the issue. Of course we rescued the victim, penalized and cautioned the accused over such insolence and promiscuous lifestyle. Though it wasn't an easy task, but I am satisfied that we at least maintain peace in the group chat and everything is currently working smoothly. >>The speech I gave after the whole drama Whether you were there when the transaction occurred or not, one thing is clear; this is a very sad and shameful development, especially coming from people who once sat in the same classroom, shared food, stories and laughter under the same roof back then in school. Let me speak not just as a fellow classmate, but as someone who once had the privilege of leading people in other spheres of life. We were raised in a school that taught us discipline, brotherhood, honesty, and integrity. We were taught to look out for one another and build a bond that would last even after graduation. But what are we becoming now? How can someone collect money from a classmate, lie about a deal, fail to deliver what was promised, and then go as far as blocking the person without remorse? Is that the kind of image we want to carry as **"men of the scriptures"** as nicknamed? Do we want people to start warning others to be careful of anyone who once attended our school? This is a serious call to all of us. We need to do away with fraudulent acts, no matter how small it may seem. Whether it is collecting money in the name of borrowing and not paying back, striking a deal and not keeping to your word and deception must stopped because they are all wrong. We are supposed to be lifting each other up. The world out there is already tough enough. The last people we should fear are our own classmates because breaking this bond might cause you your opportunity and help tomorrow from any of us. I added, money is not everything but reputation and trust can open doors that money will never reach. That token may seem small to some of us but it speaks volumes about character. If someone can scam a friend over a little token, what then is left for them to do if they are given the chance for something bigger? This is not just about the accused and the victim, it is about all of us. Let’s not normalize bad behavior, let’s hold each other accountable. If someone does wrong, they should be told the truth with love with love and fairness. That is the only way we’ll grow. Finally, I plead with us all to embrace peace, love, and truth inorder to guide this group. Let’s support each other genuinely. And if there is any issue or misunderstanding, let us be bold enough to resolve it like brothers not like strangers or enemies.

CONCLUSION

| |- In life one of the most important things you can offer is truth Be real in your words and actions Be someone people can trust especially your classmates and brothers We shared memories as friends and schoolmates, let us not ruin that bond with lies or deceit Whether it is borrowing money and not paying back or making false promises, it is wrong You may not need anyone today but tomorrow is uncertain. The same person you deceive today might be the one you will need help from tomorrow Good character will open doors that money cannot. Let's choose honesty, integrity, kindness and build trust that cannot be broken. We rise by lifting others not by bringing them down. Let us be true brothers in words and in actions because one day we will need one another *I invite @bossj23, @ngoenyi and @okoro-blessing to hub in and share their thoughts and views*

Thank you all, may God help us to be better every day.

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