As competition increases nowadays, how can one keep his or her core values such as integrity protected?

Great question Juan. I can understand that this can make one feel frustrated at times. But you need to keep this in mind - Integrity mean doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. Your aim is not to worry about the incorrect stuff the other people do, but to worry about what you are going to do. What's more important to you? You doing the right thing and having a clear conscience or worry about what others? You will come across unethical people in all walks of life to get ahead but there is only so far a person can go. At the end of the day, you are answerable to yourself. You will know deep down whether you are doing the right thing or not. Mind you, this is not called "talent" as you have mentioned. Why do you say that " those of us who truly study and stay true to ourselves will continue to be affected by those who fail to follow the moral laws". You don't have to be affected by this. Instead continue to do the right thing, lead by example, hold your head up high because you are doing the right thing. Stand up for what you believe in.

I too have come across such people in my college/career journey and would feel disappointed. My dad then would tell me that you should not measure your success, failure against others. Don't perceive life as a competition with others. Compare it with your previous achievements, or against the person you wish to be!

How will your core values help you?
You will feel more satisfied, happier, and more fulfilled in life.
Tomorrow when you assume a role of the leaders, these values become extremely important.
"Think of it (core values) as a tree: values are our roots that keep us grounded in what’s important to us. The strength of the values determines the strength of the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit from year to year. A strong tree supports the ecosystem around it; a leader with strong values supports the organizational culture"

Juan, I would like you to read these two article that will give you more clarity and will motivate you to keep doing the right thing!
1ca221016141">Success Will Come and Go, But Integrity Is Forever This is one article that I hold very dear to me and I re-read every 6 months! It summarizes what my dad has taught me!
How to Live With Purpose, Identify Your Values and Improve Your Leadership Try and relate this to your context. (Work/Organization/Company = School/College. Manager/Leader= Teacher/Professor)

Good luck! May the force be with you! :)

Hi Juan!

You asked a very important quesiton. It is important to have a set of values and stick to them. Here are some sites that will help with that:
http://www.evancarmichael.com/library/dr-philip-a-foster/Setting-Your-Moral-Compass-to-North-Why-talking-about-ethics-is-not-enough.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roya-r-rad-ma-psyd/finding-your-moral-compass_b_1009290.html
http://goodlifezen.com/5-crucial-reasons-to-carry-a-moral-compass/