I enjoy my job – seeing the children from kindergarten all the way to high school, what they’ve become, what they’re going to do. I think they figure I’m reliable. I’m there every day. And, if I’m not on the bus at the elementary school, they won’t get on the bus. If I’m not sitting in that seat, you can forget it. They just stand there.
We heard you haven’t taken a day of sick leave in your career. What motivates you to be here every day?
The students – to get them their schools so they can get an education. They are the future.
I enjoy it. Plus, I’m up early. I walk my dog at 4 a.m., and then I come home and get ready to go to work and do my pre-trip and everything. I drive students to Princess Anne High School, Pembroke Elementary, Pembroke Meadows Elementary and Independence Middle. One of my students recently lost his father in an accident. I understand he’s staying with relatives in another city, so I asked the school what I could do to help and I donated money.
Has there ever been a day when you thought you couldn’t go to work?
No, not really.
What’s your secret?
Walking. Walking! I have a golden retriever that you have to walk. He’ll go get his leash and he’ll stand there with those big, brown eyes. And, no matter how you feel, you’ve got to go. We usually walk 2 to 2.5 miles. We try to do it three times a day.
How long will you drive your bus?
As long as I feel well.
#WeAreWednesdays #WeAreVBSchools
