4 May

5th Grader Names Her Hero, A Hero Often Forgotten

community, 05/04/2015

By: Meena Tadimeti
Contributor to specialneedsinmycity.org                                                                                        @SNinmycitytwitter logo

If you’re a parent whose child rides the little yellow school bus, then you know how dedicated these bus drivers are toward our children. As a parent of a special needs child, I’ve seen how some drivers radiate the inner light in each child at some level either through a smile, encouragement or exchanging pleasantries.  They are deeply kind, energetic and make children feel valued and respected.

I’ve observed over the years how much our children enjoy talking to their bus drivers and eagerly look forward to seeing them at pickups and dropoffs, including mine. Children often can’t wait to share their new interests or about their day at school with them.  These drivers are indeed special; endowed with special virtues such as abundance of patience, tolerance and humility.  Often they are forgotten but are instrumental behind the scenes for not only getting our children to school but also first in line every morning to help kids start their school day feeling good about themselves.

Valerie Yoder, a fifth-grade special education teacher at Standiford Elementary, asked her students to write an essay on “Who  is your hero? “Why?” & What qualities define a hero?.”  While most children thought of superheroes, here is one student who named her bus driver, Della Espinoza as her hero.  Divya, an 11-yr old student, typed her essay conveying what makes Della a hero.  Clearly her gratitude, respect and love for her hero comes through in her essay.

picture of bus driver and special needs child's essay of her hero
Della, My Hero By: Divya, 5th Grade Student

After reading this essay, who wouldn’t want Della as their child’s bus driver.  As parents, we see the difficult task that bus drivers sometimes have in managing children on a bus. But, fearlessly, they take on the challenge with great care and attention. And for that, our hats off to Della and all great bus drivers who give their very best that makes children not want to miss their “fun” bus.

If you have a story about someone special in your child’s life, we would like to hear from you. Use the comment form below to submit your story or tell us what makes your child’s bus driver awesome.

student on a special needs bus with her driver