Andrew’s transformation from haughty arrogance to understanding and humility is a powerful lesson in the value of showing compassion and respect to others.
His early actions towards the flight attendant and other staff members show contempt for their humanity as well as an entitlement complex. But because of his father’s strict love and his modest experience as a janitor, Andrew begins to understand how his actions affect other people.
His desire for reform and newfound understanding is evident in his apology to the flight attendant. We can all learn from Andrew’s story about the transformative potential of empathy and introspection. It reminds us of the importance of treating everyone with decency and respect and challenges us to consider how our words and actions affect those around us.
Andrew is a seventeen-year-old cocky, privileged teenager who often treats people unfairly because he is used to getting his After seeing Andrew making fun of the flight attendant, his father thought it was time to teach him a lesson in respect.
“Can you move it faster?” Andrew walked past the young flight attendant who was helping the old man and let out a frustrated groan. The man had trouble walking, but Andrew just laughed at him and ran to the spot without thinking.
A frequent traveler since childhood, Andrew was bored and eager to return home after his first semester at boarding school, so he opened the window shade. He let the bags hang from the overhead bin before getting up to retrieve the tablet after some time.
He was joined by the flight attendant who had assisted the older man earlier. “Your purse is opening. You didn’t close the top basket properly, sir.”
“So act and not just watch.
“It’s none of my business,” Andrew retorted.
The flight attendant closed the trash can and turned to leave, undeterred by the boy’s rude words. Still, in a bad mood, Andrew chewed a few peanuts and then spat them out in disgust. He called the attendant a bully.
It tastes awful, like peanuts! He shouted, “Throw her the bag and give me something better than these hideous nuts!”
An irritated but polite employee replied, “Sir, please calm down and don’t throw things at me.”
“I’ll do what I like!” Andrew became furious. “It’s your duty to help me. Go get me something to eat; please don’t bring me some horrible food like these peanuts. Now go!”
The other guests watched in horror as Andrew nursed the sick hostess.
Andrew was about to be rude to the flight attendant, but the old man sitting next to him intervened.
Don’t talk to her like that, young man, the older man admonished him. You can’t be disrespectful to her because it’s part of her job to serve us. She came here to work and is doing a great job so far. If you could just be polite to her instead of yelling at her.
“Why should I be nice to someone who can’t do her job?” After Andrew shot the flight attendant, he broke his fingers. “Hurry up and finish your snack! Please stop staring at me like a statue.”
With tears in her eyes, the attendant calmly turned away.
“Your parents must be so disappointed in you,” the older man commented before returning to his magazine.
“Take care, old man!” Andrew replied scornfully. “I paid for this flight; I deserve good service.”
Andrew was not impressed when the waiter returned with the pretzels. “I want something better!”
“That’s all we have, sir,” replied the attendant, her eyes filled with sadness.
After hearing Andrew’s stormy comments, the passengers approached him. “How dare you talk to her like that? Show the others some courtesy!”
“If she did her job well, I wouldn’t complain!” Andrew argued. “He’s just a terrible servant!”
The attendant burst into tears and could no longer bear the taunts. Passengers were shocked by Andrew’s callous remarks that echoed throughout the plane due to his lack of courtesy and consideration.
The old passenger next to Andrew growled, “You should be properly punished, young man.” “You don’t talk to people like that and I’m watching you the whole time.
The man in the elegant suit behind Andrew said to the other passengers, “I agree.” “You treated her so badly and rudely. She’s doing a great job, boy, but you just can’t seem to be kind and respectful to others.”
The voice sounded so familiar that it shocked Andrew. When he turned, his mouth dropped open and his forehead furrowed in fear.
“Dad? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” he shouted.
“ANDREW??” When Steven, the boy’s father, realized that the young bully who was making fun of the flight attendant was actually his own child, he was similarly stunned. A sharp, icy chill ran down his back.
“I had to take this cheap flight back to New York due to a last-minute rebooking. I think I heard you even when I was editing the company’s annual report. That you caused such a stir here is amazing.” Andrew remained motionless as Steven stared at him, mouth pursed and eyes fixed on his father.
“However, Dad…” Andrew trailed off.
“Shut up and apologize to her now!” Steven continued. “I’ll start teaching you manners when we get home. Now apologize to her.
Andrew shrugged and apologized in a whisper. “Sorry!” was all the flight attendant could say. He became indignant when his father publicly reprimanded him for not understanding the fuss.
Andrew followed his father Steven to their stately home after their escape, fearing what he would do. They argued in Steven’s study after Steven led him there.
Steven joked, “You made me feel so proud today.” Is that why they sent you to boarding school? Start behaving recklessly and disrespectfully?
I’m disappointed in you, Andrew. Steven unexpectedly closed the study room door behind him and looked at his child. He said, “Your behavior must change.”
“I don’t see a big deal, Dad,” snapped Andrew. “She’s really not that important! She provided us with a paid service, but not very successfully.”
“Andrew, you have no control over how they do their job. “Being rich doesn’t excuse you from treating people badly,” Steven shouted, crossing his arms. “And without my wealth and help, you are nothing, son! You must accept reality.”
“What does that mean now?!”
“You’re not going back to boarding school.
You will go to public school during the break and work for a living.
“In the office? Are you telling the truth? Andrew was shocked.
“I’m not making this up. My janitorial services company will hire you as a caretaker.”
“A tree grower? No way, Dad. I’m not capable of that.”
Andrew argued.
“Stay in this. I’m taking everything you own, including your bank cards, laptop, phone, and even fancy clothes.”