Composition about choices

When I’m faced with a decision that puts my ethics on the line, I think about what similar
situations in the past have taught me. In my life, I’ve made both good and bad choices.
One of my good decisions resulted in a casual friend becoming a very close friend. A college
classmate gave me a lottery ticket for my birthday. As she gave it to me, she joked that if I won,
I should split the prize with her. I ended up winning $500, At the time I was saving for a new
tablet, and with the $500, I had enough money. I considered not telling my friend that I’d won.
But I felt dishonest and disloyal, and I gave her half. I’ll always be glad I did, and I wouldn’t do it
any differently today, even if I really needed all the money. Today, she is still one of my best
friends.

One of my bad decisions ruined a friendship. A former classmate wanted a job with my company
and asked me to recommend her. I knew she didn’t have very good work habits. I told her I would
do it only if she promised to work hard. She was hired, but three months later, she was fired
because my boss thought she was irresponsible and her work was unacceptable. I was fairly new
at the company myself and my company is still a little unsure about trusting my judgment now. I
don’t have much to do with her these days.

I believe that good and bad decisions are a part of everyone’s personal development. Is it possible
to learn from those experiences? I think it is because even the bad ones help to prepare you for
the future.