'TUTORING' RICH KIDS COST ME MY DREAMS

I find it unnerving that this practice is so rampant. Those who feel this is a relatively isolated problem that will in all likelihood have no bearing on their lives should reconsider. It is precisely this culture that has facilitated the current economic crisis. Spoiled children with no sense of accountability become greedy adults in powerful positions--precisely because people were willing to earn their degrees for them for a fee--who make poor decisions that affect us all.

To those struggling, academically gifted current students and graduates I say YOU are part of the problem. Just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Here in Taiwan, I once visited a study abroad company during my job-hunt. Once I deduced that the company wanted me to "help" students by doing their application essays for them I swiftly declined its advances. I could have made money that way, but what would that have meant for deserving candidates in the States or other countries who were submitting their own work for consideration. Why should a good and diligent candidate lose a spot to someone who is unqualified, underserving and very possibly lazy? Should we really enable these over-indulged, petulant people to succeed academically so they can use their connections to rise in the business world and tank their businesses and the economy along with them?

Cheating to get ahead? Paying others to do what we need to do ourselves? Putting off basic responsibilities -- like our own moral and mental growth -- because we have the money to cut corners in life? Whoa! Sounds like some of the basic rules of life that lead millions to follow America's overwhelming Number One Rule: Do Whatever You Can Get Away With. With few shared values and almost no private or public accountability demanded by anyone now, your experience is a revealing case in point. But it, and many others like it, makes a great adventure. In fact, I'm writing the movie now. And if I can sell my script for a million... Hey, then I won't have to work for a long time!... Yeah. Thanks for this inspiring saga!

I sold term papers to undergrads while in graduate school (for political science and journalism). I guaranteed a B+ or better, and quick turn-around. Had a few clients (mostly non-traditional/older students) who'd hand over their syllabi and paper assignments at the start of each semester. I made about $5k per term, and never felt guilty or "victimized" at all.

I cannot believe you feel sorry for yourself, after basically assisting people in committing fraud! Poor pitiful you! Grow up, you are not a victim.

Whoa, is this piece 37 months old? Just when I thought the world was safe for free market libertarianism, I have to read this, which has "There outta ba a law..." written all over it. Teachers need support from administrators to crack down on this. It's cheating, which is rampant and worsening, I'm sure. Hey Dad, get a bigger yacht, but don't ruin your lazy brats; there are tutors who will actually force them to think for themselves. Teachers, Profs: how about in-class assignments to compare style and quality against homework?
Kevin Conway Cleveland, Ohio

You make it sound like a happy ending, but I and everyone else should still be pissed off at you for facilitating these jackasses for as long as you did.

HOW ABOUT MAKING THESE COMPANIES ILLEAGAL. ALSO TAKE AWAY , OR RDUCE THE "HOME ASSIGNMENT" PART... GIVE TESTS AT SCHOOL OR COLLEGE. IF THINGS DON'T MATCH UP KICK THEM OUT... RIDICULOUS.