I remember catching SEPTA when I was going to Community College in Philadelphia on 17th and Spring Garden. As a passenger, I would stare out the window, see all the buildings and the people, and I would start to dream and daydream about what the future held for me. Little did I know I would end up driving, becoming a SEPTA operator, and using all of the experiences.

 

I was studying to be a teacher, and a lot that I learned in college I apply on the bus: how to deal with children, conflict resolution, and all of those things. They help me when I'm operating this vehicle and dealing with the public.

 

I've been operating here, SEPTA, for 12 years. I really enjoy my job, you know, taking the community back and forth. A little bit about myself: I'm married. I have two children. My family has a dance group where we do traditional music from Puerto Rico. I really enjoy my culture and sharing my culture with the community.

 

This job is very meaningful to me. When I'm working, I run into individuals who don't speak any English. So, when they find out that I'm able to speak Spanish and I'm able to help them, you know, with a direction or what bus they have to get on, they get really excited. It makes their life a little bit easier, helps me, help the passengers. There are just other times where you pick up the same kid over and over again, and you see them grow and, you know, you talk to them and give them a little advice. The parents wait for them, they get on the bus to make sure they're safe, and they put their trust in us and the system to get them to school safely.

 

We also work with a lot of seniors and individuals with disabilities where we can assist them, put them on a bus, take them to appointments or anywhere they have to go.

 

So that's very rewarding for me.