What is integrity, and why should students care about it, anyway?

Talking Points:

  • Integrity is being the same person everywhere you are. The word integrity comes from same word as “integer” which is defined as “a whole number, not a fraction.”
  • Having integrity pays off in the long run, even if it’s not noticed when you’re younger. In the end, people will trust you as they recognize that you are a person of integrity.
  • Integrity has to grow like a muscle. Grow it by take an inventory of where you’ve failed in the past, set goals, and surround yourself with others who have integrity.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What does it mean to you to be the same person everywhere you are? Give an example.
  3. Think of someone you know that doesn’t have very much integrity. Describe what you notice about them.
  4. What are some areas in your life where you could have more integrity? Set one or two “integrity goals”. 
  5. Make a list of a few friends who have integrity. Make a separate list of friends or acquaintances who lack integrity. What will you do with those lists?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?