I’m part of a school bus driver’s Facebook page, and this popped up on my feed. It’s a college essay written by a former student of the driver. I know we make a difference doing what we do, but I also know that we all can have an even greater impact on the people around us when the Lord fills us with His presence and we allow Him to work in and through us. Lord, use me in any way you can!
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I was seriously considering changing careers when this letter was sent to me by the student’s mother. It really touched me and made me realize that the impact I make on my students is far greater than the disrespect I feel from others.
I was 16. It was the first day of high school. For the first time, I was entering a new school with over a thousand people. I hadn’t slept the night before due to my looming fear about the day to come. I left my house and walked toward the bus stop. As I was contemplating turning around, I saw the bus and figured I would just get on. The bus doors opened, and the driver greeted me in a way that made me forget, for that moment, how nervous I was. When I sat down in my seat, I was able to take a deep breath.
As I anticipated, my school day was replete with apprehension. However, the thought of the morning bus ride provided me with a sense of comfort. When the day was FINALLY over, I found my bus and was greeted with a smile. The bus driver asked me how my day went, and while I wasn’t able to answer, I smiled and sat down, again, taking my first deep breath since the morning ride.
I did not know anyone at my new school, and it was easy to feel unnoticed and overlooked. My bus driver saw me and made me feel like I had a friend.
My bus driver’s name is Keith.
After the first week, I had acclimated to my new school and was starting to enjoy myself. Keith asked me about my day, and this time, I was able to tell him. When we got to my stop he said, “Mira, have a great night; I will see you in the morning.” As I walked home, I smiled with a glimmer in my eye because I knew I would be just fine.
As I began joining after-school clubs and meeting people, I often took the late bus not driven by Keith. The morning after, he would comment on my absence. It may seem simple, but to me, this meant so much more. I was pleasantly surprised that he noticed, and it made me feel like I mattered.
The days I once dreaded became more bearable, knowing that at the beginning and end of each day, I would have Keith’s welcoming presence. I remember thinking that first week, ‘If it weren’t for Keith, I probably wouldn’t even go to school.’
Bus drivers often go unnoticed. On that first school morning when the bus doors opened, I never expected that my bus driver would impart me with such courage and resilience. He became one of the most coveted adults in my life who truly made school a better experience. Keith taught me an important life lesson; that all people are to be valued and appreciated. Keith’s acknowledgment of me enhanced my awareness and compassion for all the often unrecognized individuals necessary to running a school. Broadening this, I now try to find the time to stop and say thank you to all of the people who make a difference in my life.
May God use us all!
Apr 17th, 2024, Wed, 6:38 pm
