Aug. 7, 2024
“I worked on a ranch in Wyoming for close to 25 years, helping with cattle in wide open spaces. But my high school sweetheart and I reconnected on Facebook, and I came to Springfield. She worked at Springfield Public Schools as a special education teacher, and she said, 'Why don’t you be a bus driver?'
I don’t know anything about driving a bus. I had a long career in agriculture, an hour from the mountains. But I embraced the journey. I got my CDL and was trained, and my wife encouraged me to meet students where they were, to be positive. Then, I started building relationships with families. I’ve had the same routes for six years, and I’ve really gotten to know the students and their families. Those relationships, they’re special to me. The kids are important to me, and they’re good kids. I want them to have a good day at school every day, and so I hope my smile, my positive attitude, it’s contagious.
I miss Wyoming and the wide open spaces, but I love being a bus driver. This job has been a gift for the past 10 years, and I’m here a few more. But it’s been a great second chapter in my life. I’d encourage anyone who’s thinking about becoming a bus driver, try it. Remove all doubt, have an open mind and embrace the journey. I didn’t know how to drive a bus in a day, but the training, the skills, they came to me. Now, I really enjoy this job and the students. I’m glad I embraced the journey.”
