I am a school bus driver. I get many different looks when I tell people this. Sometimes I check my teeth (nope, must be some other reason they’re looking at me like that), sometimes they give me a look of pity (don’t worry, I like my job for the most part), and occasionally I get a resounding, “Wow! You are awesome, I could never do that!” (These are my favorites). All I ask, though, is for a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you what this means to me. (Everyone loves Aretha!)
There is not a lot of respect for bus drivers. I knew this when I took the job, it always seems to have the trashy-type stigma. My main goal is to change people’s attitudes in this respect. This is a tough job, and fairly important. I mean, we’re not running the country or anything, but do you want to get up at 6:00 am when it’s -10 degrees outside and drive your kids to school? I didn’t think so. That’s why we exist. Because parents are busy; leaving early, working late, etc. But the fact remains: Kids need to get to school; parents sometimes cannot get them there. So we might not be running the country, but we might be getting the future president to their education.
We need our kids to sit! Most of the kids on my bus are great, and I like them all…most days. Of course, some are more trying than others. I do not tell you to stay seated because I like the way my voice sounds at this octave, I tell you because I want you to stay safe! Children are killed in bus accidents every year. I will work diligently to make sure this does not happen to one of my students. But I need a little help here. Parents: Talk to your kids! Make sure they understand the value of their life, and the importance of sitting on their bum!
Parents are vital in our line of work. We need you on our side. If you bad-mouth us, or talk down about us, your kids lose all respect for us, and we have lost control of our bus. And your child is not as safe as he should be. An out of control bus is dangerous. Respect the bus driver, and your kids will respect them too, and everyone gets to school safely. What a happy ending!
As a bus driver we are spending a lot of time with your children every day, taking them to and from school, and doing everything we can to do so safely. This is a very important job. We certainly aren’t getting rich doing this, but we are hoping to make a difference in this world, even if it is just a small one. So respect your bus driver. Teach your kids to respect them. Because, whether it’s raining or snowing, 10 degrees or 100 degrees, we’ll get them where they need to go, you don’t have to worry. No thanks required. However, we do enjoy hearing it once in awhile.