Sticking to your principles and doing the right thing pays off.
Write an essay to validate this statement using Nicole from John Lara's The Samaritan.
In The Samaritan by John Lara, Nicole, a teacher of ethics and innovation at Sagrada Secondary School in Maracas Municipality, exemplifies the ideal of a principled individual committed to making a difference in the community. Her efforts pay off when the corrupt leaders are arrested, despite the fact that she encountered significant opposition from them. Consistency in doing the right things pays out in the end.
Nicole is steadfast when the Mayor of Maracas Municipality demands a halt to all Samaritan App-related activity, and her firmness pays off. The goal of the Samaritan App is to reveal wrongdoing and push for the people responsible to be brought to justice. Mossi-oa-Tunya, upon learning that the App could reveal his shortcomings, ineptitude, and corrupt activities, and lead to his punishment, decides against releasing it and awarding its creators, Alvita and Montano. He claims the App has the potential to serve as a venue for spreading false information and engaging in witch hunts. Even though he agrees that the school is doing a good job of fostering visionaries and creators, he is nervous about giving the Samaritan App the go-ahead. Nicole, Alvita, and Montano's skit shows clearly that the App can be used to share private information like the Municipal Procurement Process. The Mayor is hesitant to authorise its use. In an effort to halt the operation of the application, he claims he needs time to consider and will launch the application at a time of his choosing. He directs Nicole and Principal Narine to suspend all App-related operations until his office issues clearance. He asks that they write to the Ministry of Education, highlighting serious flaws. Nicole insists that the App passed all testing conducted by senior Ministry of Education officials and skilled software experts. The Mayor attempts to scare Nicole by claiming to be Mossi-oa-Tunya: the smoke that thunders and a Mayor with an express mandate from the people of Maracas. He yells and points his walking stick at Nicole. He demands that she write the letter and send him a copy within an hour. Nicole is adamant that the problem is beyond her control now that the App has been taken over by the National Information and Communication Technology Corporation, and she vows to do only what is right. Madam Principal verifies Nicole's tenacity when she declares she is obligated to disregard the Mayor's commands because she rarely compromises on what she believes is right. In the end, Mayor Mossi fails to intimidate Nicole, and the App continues to operate. Mossi is eventually jailed after being revealed as a corrupt leader. Nicole's perseverance pays rewarded.
Furthermore, Narine, the principal, chastises Nicole in the hope that she will stop her search for a better Maracas, but Nicole remains strong until the end, when her efforts bear fruit. The principal admits that the Samaritan App has sent shockwaves throughout the municipality, causing leaders to fear. Nicole is advised to think long and hard about the Samaritan App. Narine claims she is solely focused on giving great education to the youngsters in her care. She promises that no teacher will be allowed to veer from this route. She appears to be encouraging Nicole to halt the Samaritan App's operations. As a senior administrator and her mother's age mate, she advises her on which conflicts to fight, which to avoid, and which to defer. She claims that a small lady like Nicole can't compete with an elephant like Mossi. Nicole informs her boss that an elephant who kills a rat is not a hero. She also wonders if the principal would prefer that they abandon the Samaritan, a brilliant concept with huge potential to improve the Municipality, in order to placate a selfish political class. Nicole receives no help from the principal. She instead takes a step back. Nicole's spirit is not dampened by this. Nicole, according to the principle, is a stubborn young lady. She's had enough. She claims she is not a housekeeper or a secretary in order to continue getting calls on Nicole's behalf. She also feels threatened when the leaders call to say they are going to visit Nicole at school. The principal believes that the App will have little effect and advises Nicole that "the bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists." Nicole pays no attention even when Narine adds, "If you can't turn the wind, turn the sails." Nicole maintains her composure. She cannot give in and tolerate the misappropriation of public funds. Her determination pays off when Tajo, the chief of the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau, arrests the leaders, including Bembe and Mossi. Certainly, tenacity leads to triumph.
Third, Nicole chooses to remain firm when the Inspector General of Police, Bembe, attempts to frighten her by arresting her on false accusations. Mossi and Bembe intend to pay Nicole a visit after discovering that the Samaritan App was being used to air their dirty laundry in public. Mossi rightly observes that Nicole could be a difficult person. Nicole is adamant about doing the right thing. Bembe is adamant that he can persuade individuals to change sides. Bembe has devised a scheme to accuse Nicole of stealing school furniture, a computer, or a generator. He intends to hire individuals to steal the school generator, accuse Nicole of the crime, and then urge the judge to imprison her. Bembe follows through on his promise and goes to Sagrada Secondary School to arrest Nicole, citing a variety of charges including ignoring authorities, being found at the site of a murder, and stealing the school generator. Nicole is not afraid. She understands that her responsibility is to do what is right, not to mindlessly follow leaders. A leader cannot force her to do something she does not want to do. Her decision to do the right thing is unassailable. Even in the face of an approaching jail term, she is unafraid of Bembe's manufactured charges. She informs him that it will lead him nowhere and that it will be the most difficult day of his career. Bembe orders the police to handcuff Nicole, who fights back until she is overwhelmed. Bembe is merely attempting to frighten Nicole into abandoning the Samaritan App's operations, alleging that they pose a great danger to society. Nicole responds that she is just a simple teacher trying to do the right thing. While Bembe believes Nicole has a sinister plot, Nicole maintains that The Samaritan App has no personal agenda and is a people's platform dedicated to defending and promoting the public good. When Nicole is charged in court, thousands of demonstrators from all walks of life flood the courtrooms in sympathy with her, leaving Bembe with egg on his face. Furthermore, his superiors summon him due to the irregularity. Bembe is eventually arrested for his involvement in a variety of crimes and abuse of position. Nicole's determination to do good pays off.
Apart from that, Alvita and Montano try but fail to persuade Miss Nicole to drop the Samaritan App, and she advises them to stick with it because it would pay off when the corrupt leaders are apprehended. When the corrupt leaders are apprehended by the police, Alvita triumphantly declares, "You can never escape the consequences of your actions." These are the precise words of Nicole, the steadfast miss. The fearful kids are the minds behind the Samaritan App. They are now concerned that, as a result of the Mayor's ultimatum, the App will land their beloved teacher in hot water. Nicole believes that the Samaritan App provides a fantastic forum for them to speak up against wrongdoing and exchange ideas that would improve their lives. Maracas' leaders are like the priests and Levites who disregard the injured Samaritan. They are unconcerned about the people. They also do not come to their rescue. They are solely interested in themselves. The students continue to believe that Miss Nicole is in dire danger. The teacher is resolved to fight for a cause that will result in a better tomorrow for all. The Samaritan has been all over the media, and Alvita believes it has become so large that it is no longer good for them. The two classmates advise her to transfer to another school. Nicole advises them not to back down from any challenge or threat. They must maintain their resolve and demand that their leaders do the right thing. She insists that they not be discouraged and that they remain courageous. This is not a futile attempt. Mayor Mossi and other corrupt politicians are eventually imprisoned.
Nicole also stands firm when the Mayor approaches her and begs for compassion, seemingly repentant of his bad deeds and seeking to get Nicole to remove some unfavourable information about him off the Samaritan App. The Mayor begins by apologising to Nicole for being so harsh before. He wants to have an open conversation with her. He admits that he made mistakes and is apparently there to make amends and seek Nicole's understanding and assistance. Nicole is caught aback by Mossi-oa-Tunya's, the untouchable smoke that thunders, sudden change of heart. He even offers a bribe to Nicole. He requests that she quote her figure. Nicole, looking him in the eyes, states unequivocally that she will never be a part of such a scam. She is dismayed that a man charged with combating corruption is actually the main culprit. The penitent leader, stuttering, claimed he was willing to invest in the Samaritan App. Mossi believes he is being falsely accused of being a Samaritan. Nicole tells him that as the general leader, he is ultimately responsible. Mossi attempts to clear his name by smearing his colleagues, including Ramdaye, the deputy mayor, for embezzlement of funds; Ted King, the secretary of Health and Environment; Seymour, the secretary in charge of Planning and Development; and Judge Ian Jaden. The Mayor asserts that he is powerless to address the rot in the town, accidentally acknowledging his incompetence. Nicole observes that the entire Municipal Council is a criminal organisation. Mossi admits to stealing no more than three slices of bread meant for the people. He accuses everyone else of devouring the entire loaf, including the packaging and, when relevant, the vendor. Nicole insists that everyone he blames is accountable to him. When he realises that his emotional pleadings will not influence Nicole, he resorts to threats. He orders that she delete every post that disparages him, or else she will discover why he is known as Mossi-oa-Tunya: the smoke that thunders. Nicole is determined to do the right thing. Mossi-oa-Tunya, the thunderous smoke, is eventually apprehended by anti-corruption police. Indeed, doing the right thing consistently yields positive benefits.
Finally, the leaders of Maracas Municipality try to pacify Nicole by playing power games and offering her a prestigious office in the Municipality, but she resists, holding firm until the criminal leaders are imprisoned. The eight leaders gather in the Principal Judge's Chamber to save their skins from The Samaritan. They have gathered to devise a plan to avoid being imprisoned at Baneta Express Prison. Basdeo suggests they speak with Nicole. Mossi cautions him that she is stern. He tried to beg her forgiveness, but she refused. He tried intimidation, but she refused to surrender. Basdeo suggests that she be given a prominent position on the local council. They intend to let her tell them what position she desires, and presto! she becomes a member of the municipal leadership. Jaden recommends bringing her a box of chocolate as an enticement, but Mossi warns him that she will not accept it. They all grovel when they meet Nicole. Jaden begs Nicole's pardon for invading her hectic schedule. Bembe passionately apologises for arresting Nicole. Mossi also expresses regret for stepping on her toes. Despite her confusion, Nicole accepts the apologies and expresses sorry if she upset any of them. Ted's offer of a golden ring is respectfully declined. The leaders concede to severe leadership mistakes that have driven the municipality to its knees. They claim the ship is sinking. They ask Nicole to help improve service delivery to the people, and she agrees. They ask her to identify the senior job she wishes to have. Jaden suggests that she take up the post of Director General. Nicole declines the offer, informing the gentleman that what is needed is a change of spirit among the people, particularly among the leaders, rather than new laws, contracts, or positions. Nicole advises them to do the right thing and stop putting their fingers in the public till and pursue personal gain in order to salvage the grim situation. Her efforts bear fruit at this point, as the corrupt officials are apprehended and escorted to the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau.
To summarise, victory is the outcome of an unyielding attitude, especially when we champion for good. Nicole's desire to root out corruption in Maracas Municipality and bring the corrupt officials to justice pays off when they are all arrested, signalling a fresh beginning.