Caerwyn's College is the most famous college in Perez City. It accepts only a small number of students every year. Many of its graduates later get important jobs and positions in the city.
Most of the students come from rich families, but the college also gives scholarships to talented students from middle-class families.
The college teaches many subjects, including arts, business, science, technology, and history. All the students study together, regardless of their course or background.
But Caerwyn's College has a serious problem.
The seniors are known for bullying the juniors.
Rich students are usually treated better. But scholarship students are treated badly, almost like servants.
The former principal, Mr. Jonathan, tried many times to stop this unfair system, but he failed.
Now his son, Steve, is the principal.
Steve hates the bullying and unfair treatment. He tried to change things with the previous five batches, but nothing worked.
He was beginning to lose hope.
Then came the 25th batch.
And this batch would be different.
Let's start the story.
College Entrance Ceremony
Ningteen new students sat inside the large college auditorium.
Fifteen were from rich families.
Five had received scholarships.
They all looked excited and nervous. They had dreams for their future.
But none of them knew whether Caerwyn's College would help them achieve those dreams
or destroy them.
Senior Adam, a third-year student, walked onto the stage and took the microphone.
Adam: "Welcome, juniors!
Let me say something to you guys
If you need help, ask a senior. But remember the rules. No excuses and no complaining. Understood?"
The juniors looked nervous.
Juniors: "Yes, senior!"
Adam smiled.
Adam: "Good. Now, it's time for the ragging ceremony!"
The seniors laughed.
The usual ragging began.
The juniors had to:
- Propose to someone.
- Sing a song.
- Dance.
- Collect signatures from all twenty seniors.
- Memorize the names of the seniors.
The rich students were nervous, but they were not treated too badly.
Then Senior John looked around.
John: "Where are the poor... I mean, scholarship students?"
Four scholarship students slowly stepped forward.
John pointed at them.
John: "You four. Get on the stage."
Thomas looked confused.
Thomas: "But... why?"
SLAP!
Thomas froze.
Everyone became silent.
John stared at him.
John: "Don't ask questions when a senior tells you to do something. Understood?"
Thomas lowered his head.
Thomas: "Yes, senior..."
The principal, Steve, watched everything from his seat.
His hands tightened into fists.
He had seen this happen before.
The same bullying.
The same silence.
The same unfair treatment.
None of the fourteen rich students said anything.
Steve began to wonder if the 25th batch would really be same .
Then
BANG!
The auditorium doors suddenly burst open.
Everyone turned around.
A girl stood at the entrance, smiling brightly.
Lauren: "SORRY I'M LATE, SENIORS! PLEASE PUNISH ME!"
Silence.
The seniors stared at her.
The juniors stared at her.
Even Principal Steve looked completely shocked.
Lauren simply smiled.
She had no idea what she had just walked into.
To be continued...