As an educator at a university, I am dedicated to fostering my students' learning and progress in English language and literature. However, I often find myself navigating challenges stemming from a culture of leisureism that influences my students' understanding of academic integrity. Recently, I encountered a situation where a student submitted a plagiarized assignment and became confrontational when I asked her to take the official exam instead. This prompted me to reflect on the factors contributing to her behavior.

During my conversation with Noa, we explored various reasons behind the student's actions. It became clear that her lack of awareness about plagiarism was a significant factor, compounded by pressures from multiple assignments and possibly past experiences where similar work was accepted. Additionally, the cultural context in which my students operate complicates their understanding of academic honesty.

Through this dialogue, I felt a mix of confusion and surprise as we unpacked the situation. However, it also led to valuable insights about how I can better support my students in grasping the importance of academic integrity. Moving forward, I am committed to incorporating more targeted discussions and activities focused on academic honesty in my teaching practice. Engaging students in meaningful conversations about plagiarism will be essential for fostering a deeper respect for original work.

In conclusion, this experience has reinforced the need for educators to actively address cultural influences on academic integrity and develop strategies that resonate with students' backgrounds. By using metaphors and personalized tasks, I can help contextualize the concept of plagiarism for my students, ultimately leading to a more profound appreciation of academic honesty.