For most people, their memories of riding the school bus may seem like an ordinary occurrence that they probably have forgotten. However, for the kids who get to be in the bus driven by Curtis Jenkins, the short ride to school is always a time to look forward to because this man is more than just a school bus driver. To the kids, he is considered family.
Curtis Jenkins knew that driving kids to school is a big responsibility. With a lot of young ones on board, his priority is to always bring them safely to Lake Highland Elementary in Dallas, Texas.
But, apart from keeping them safe, Curtis also believed that he can do more than just being these kids’ driver. They all belonged in one community and he wanted the kids to know that he valued them like his own children and that they have a family in him.
Over the years, Curtis has always been going the extra mile when it comes to making his little passengers comfortable and happy while riding the bus to school. Curtis is intent on letting every single one of his kid passengers know that he is someone they can trust and that he is always there for them.
He is constantly reminding the kids to care about each other and to love one another. The children always answer him that they will do so. Getting this positive response from the little ones is what makes Curtis feeling really fulfilled and happy with his job.
“I put time, effort, love and care — understanding each and every one of those kids,” he said.
In order to invoke a sense of responsibility as well as to promote harmony among in the children, he even assigns them unique obligations such as “administrative officer to the president” while some kids are “police officers”. The kids find his endearments and genuine concern really heartwarming.
School principal Emily Gruninger highly appreciated his act of kindness saying,
“He goes way beyond the outline responsibilities and duties of a bus driver. I mean, that bus is like a family.”
When asked why Curtis goes out of his way to show love for the children, he would say,
“These are my children. These are my community. I love ’em all.”
In order for the kids to really see his concern and love for them, he makes it a point to hand out presents all throughout the school year, all the while spending money from his own pocket. His gift ideas are always based on each individual kid’s story and he makes sure that he gives them the things that will really make the young ones joyful.
One girl even received a personalized shirt with the print based on a picture of a book she made. It was a great way to encourage the child to continue with writing books.
The kids have nothing but good things to say about this kind man. One boy named Ethan was struggling with family issues since his parents divorced when he was four years old. To him, Curtis was someone that he looked up to and trusted.
“He’s the father that I always wanted. In some ways, I wish my dad could have been like that,” Ethan said.
Curtis always believed that being happy with one’s job is not about having a high salary. His act of genuine concern for the kids in his community is absolutely awe-inspiring. He has shown us that you do not have to be famous or high profile in order to do something for others. He did not even think about the money
The mistake can be made that certain jobs are more important than others.
Even the smallest of acts can create the greatest impacts and for him, getting the love and trust of the kids in his bus is more than enough compensation to give him fulfillment.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
