Ethical Dilemma, Application Essay Example

With the world being increasingly controlled by morals, there is a thin line between what is wrong and what is right. Every individual in the society faces difficulty in deciding what is right for them and what is considered right by the society. Our individual choices are being controlled by societal believes and expectations and every choice that we make involves the choice between what the society expects from you and what you know is good for you. I must admit that these choices are not easy to make and often subject an individual to some form of test. Individual philosophies very often define who we are and how far we can stand by them tell of our character.

Like any other individual in the society, I have had my fair share of these tests on my character and individuality. It all happened in the fall of last year. One evening I was walking down the street in my neighborhood towards my house when I decided to buy some groceries before the last shop closes. I decided to buy from an elderly African couple who always have fresh groceries even in times when every other vendor sells stale products. I entered the store and as I was walking around making my selection, I met my best friend Joan who confessed to be always shopping there. We talked for a while and decided to shop together. A big shock to me came on the counter when we were to pay for our selection. Joan gave out her stuff to wrapped and demanded for her change. The old man who was the cashier gave her around 15 dollars change. I paid for my stuff and we exited. Outside I told Joan that I didn’t see her give out money to demand for change. Her reply shocked me as she openly admitted that she did not and she has always been doing the same every time she shops there. She even revealed to me that she volunteers at home to shop so that she could keep the money for shopping. She knew that the old man had a short memory and used this knowledge to her advantage. That night for me was full of thoughts.

I knew that what she was doing was wrong. I was torn between rebuking her and telling the old couple of her deeds. I knew that I was her best friend and she always expected me not to do anything to disappoint her. The other side of me also felt that I was abetting her schemes if I didn’t tell on her. I also felt that I was being unfair to the old couple if I did not tell them of Joan’s behavior. After giving it a long thought I decided to comprise. The following day I called Joan and told her that what she was doing was wrong and was equal to robbing. I am clad because she accepted it and promised she won’t do it. I also anonymously called the store and told them to change their cashier. It is now almost a year since these events happened. I am happy that I resolved this dilemma without losing my best friend and keeping my conscience clean. That time tested my value for friendship and doing what is good for the society.