The Internal Training
Amelia, a young woman brimming with enthusiasm, had just been accepted to work at Andorra Airlines, one of the most prestigious and long-standing airlines in the world. With a history spanning nearly a century, Andorra Airlines was renowned not only for its first-class flights but also for its unwavering customer trust. To uphold this golden standard, the airline required its staff to adhere to strict rules, with only the most exceptional individuals able to endure the challenges and thrive.
For Amelia, joining Andorra Airlines felt like a dream come true. However, she quickly realized that this was no ordinary job. The airline's signature royal red-and-gold uniform was a symbol of pride, but only those who successfully completed its rigorous training program could earn the right to wear it.
Her journey began at the airline’s internal training center, where she was enrolled in a course titled “Professional Ethics and Compliance.” From the moment Amelia entered the classroom, she felt the weight of the room’s solemnity, reinforced by motivational slogans on the walls like “Discipline is the Key to Success” and “The Customer Comes First.”
The instructor, Mrs. Claire, a stern middle-aged woman with an air of authority, entered the room and began the session in a steady, commanding tone.
“Welcome to the most important course in Andorra Airlines’ training program. Here, you won’t just learn the rules; you’ll understand the consequences of breaking them. We believe in instilling discipline through experience.”
The announcement left the trainees stunned. Amelia hesitantly raised her hand and asked, “Ma’am, do you mean… we’re going to practice punishments?”
Mrs. Claire nodded, her gaze unwavering.
“Yes. Experiencing consequences firsthand ensures you’ll never forget these lessons. This method is the most effective way to instill responsibility.”
The theoretical portion of the course quickly concluded, and the practical session began. Amelia’s heart raced as she noticed a wooden bench and a long, polished ruler placed conspicuously at the front of the room. One by one, trainees were called up to participate in the exercise.
When it was Amelia’s turn, her pulse quickened, and her legs felt shaky as she approached the bench. Mrs. Claire gestured for her to remove her trainee uniform skirt, leaving her in a white blouse and simple undergarments. Under the watchful eyes of her peers, Amelia bent over the bench, overwhelmed with embarrassment.
“Amelia, your punishment will be ten strokes. Each stroke represents a critical rule of the airline. I will announce each rule aloud, and you must repeat it,” Mrs. Claire explained, holding the gleaming wooden ruler.
Claire’s voice softened slightly but remained firm:
“Amelia, do you understand that these punishments are not just corrections but reminders of your responsibilities?”
Amelia swallowed hard and replied, her voice trembling, “Y-yes, ma’am. I understand.”
“Good. Show me you’re worthy of this opportunity. Are you ready?”
After a shaky breath, Amelia nodded. “I-I’m ready.”
The first stroke landed with a sharp crack!
“Ah!” Amelia gasped, her body jolting at the sudden sting. The pain radiated from her backside, making her grip the edge of the bench tightly.
“Rule one: Never be late. Repeat it!”
Fighting through the pain, Amelia stammered, “N-never be late, ma’am.”
Mrs. Claire waited a moment before delivering the second stroke. The ruler whistled through the air before landing on Amelia’s already tender skin.
Crack!
“Ahh!” Amelia cried out, her voice breaking. Tears welled in her eyes as the sharp sting spread.
“Rule two: Always maintain a professional and polite attitude with customers. Repeat!”
“Always maintain a professional and polite attitude with customers,” Amelia managed, her voice strained with effort.
The strokes continued, each one more intense than the last. By the fourth stroke, Amelia’s sobs were audible, her body trembling as she struggled to remain in position. The heat on her backside was unbearable, the pain radiating with each strike.
“Rule four: Respect your team members and work collaboratively.”
The ruler struck again, eliciting a sharp cry from Amelia. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the bench for support.
“Respect your team members and work collaboratively…” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mrs. Claire paused, allowing the weight of the moment to settle. “Discipline is not meant to harm but to teach. Let this pain remind you of your responsibilities, Amelia. Are you ready to continue?”
Amelia nodded weakly, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Y-yes, ma’am…”
The strokes resumed, each accompanied by the announcement of a rule. By the eighth stroke, Amelia was sobbing openly, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. Her once pale skin was now a vivid shade of red, marked with angry welts.
“Rule eight: Always double-check safety protocols. Repeat it!”
Amelia’s voice cracked as she replied, “A-always double-check safety protocols.”
The ninth stroke landed with a forceful crack! Amelia let out a sharp cry, her body jolting. The pain was almost too much to bear, but she clenched her jaw and prepared for the final stroke.
“Rule ten: The safety of our customers is the highest priority,” Mrs. Claire declared. The ruler struck one last time, harder than before, leaving a deep welt.
Sobbing softly, Amelia forced herself to repeat, “The safety of our customers is the highest priority…”
When it was over, Amelia remained bent over the bench, her body trembling. Mrs. Claire instructed her to stand, her voice now gentler.
“Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned, Amelia. Discipline is a foundation for greatness.”
Amelia stood unsteadily, her legs weak and her lower half throbbing with pain. Her once smooth skin bore the unmistakable marks of the ruler, a stark reminder of the severity of her training. As she knelt quietly to reflect, her tears slowed, replaced by a deep sense of resolve.
Although her body ached and her pride was bruised, Amelia rose with a newfound determination. She understood that her journey with Andorra Airlines would demand nothing less than her absolute best.