Republic of the Philippines
Northwest Samar State University
Rueda St., Calbayog City 6710
Website: http//www.nwssu.edu.ph
Email: main@nwssu.edu.ph
Telefax: (055) 2093657
IO 9001:2015 Certified
Final Exam - They Chose Compassion Over High Marks
The video "They Chose Compassion Over High Marks" revolves around a strong
message: that being good—being kind and standing up for others—may be more
important than success in school. In a school setting, the narrative is about a group of
students who are studying for a crucial exam. As everyone is intent on studying and
getting high marks, the students learn that their school janitor is being treated unjustly.
This puts them in a difficult position: do they remain quiet to save their grades, or do
they stand up and risk it all?
The students are the main characters, particularly one girl who demonstrates great
leadership and empathy. She inspires the others to stand up and defend the janitor. The
janitor himself is a silent but compassionate person, working patiently even though he is
being disrespected. The school administrators, though not the center of the story, are
the figures of authority that the students have to rebel against. All the characters play
their roles in telling the story by demonstrating various aspects of what it takes to
possess power, empathy, and responsibility.
As I was watching the video, I felt really touched. I was moved by the bravery of the
students, and truly, it made me consider what I would do if I were in a similar position. It
made me recall situations in life when I witnessed someone being treated unfairly and
did not know whether I should intervene. The video made me see how vital it is to be
courageous and stand up for what is right, even if it costs you something.
I believe the creator wanted to show that life is more than just grades or achievements.
The video expresses that standing up for others, even when it’s hard, is a powerful and
meaningful act. The message was clear and emotional, and it made me think deeply. It
wasn’t confusing at all—in fact, it was easy to understand and very relatable.
This video applies to students and anyone who is under pressure to succeed. It relates
to what we experience daily in school, where it seems like the only thing that matters is
achieving good grades. This reminder, however, comes from this story that our values
and our actions do matter as well. It matters because it makes us think beyond school
and be concerned about other people.
The visuals and audio of the video were good. The images were clear and sharp, and
the emotional scenes were emphasized by gentle, reflective music. The lighting and
camera movements assisted in portraying the characters' emotions, particularly in the
suspenseful and quiet scenes. Such aspects enhanced the power of the story and aided
in identifying with it.
Through this video, I was taught that doing what's right for justice might be greater than
individual accomplishment. It offered a different thinking—that grades do not make it.
What makes us who we are is how we treat individuals, particularly the downtrodden or
the oft-abused ones. It spurred me to take greater notice and be braver when speaking
up.
Briefly, the video is about a group of students who, during exam time, choose to stand
up for their janitor against unjust treatment. They risk their grades to do the right thing,
demonstrating remarkable courage and solidarity. The narrative revolves around
kindness, fairness, and standing up when others remain quiet.
I think the underlying message of the video is that compassion is strength. It
demonstrates that even youth can create change when they opt for empathy rather than
selfishness. The symbolism is evident: the students opted to defend someone who
couldn't protect himself, and in doing so, they demonstrated what real character is.
Lastly, the story relates to the real world in so many ways. We frequently find ourselves
in situations where it might cost us something to do the right thing—popularity, grades,
or approval. This video prompts us to be honest, whatever the cost. It reminds us that
the things we value and the decisions we make characterize us much more than any
test score ever will.
