At the end of the school day, students rush to their buses. Here, 버스 선생님들 (the rough English translation equates to bus teachers, but this concept is exclusive to Korean culture) await them with a smile and greet them while checking attendance. When the bus leaves, they ensure the safety of all students. Sadly, the school community often takes these ladies’ dedication for granted.

The specialists follow their protocols with great care. Sixth-grader Isabel Bae said, “When you ride the bus in the morning, they’ll follow you into your seat… And they’ll keep watching you to make sure you put your seatbelts on.”

Despite the commonly held belief that school buses follow extremely punctual and stringent schedules, the attendants frequently allow flexibility. When someone accidentally leaves class materials at home, the bus ladies often allow the student to take their time.

Additionally, they assist their riders with significant effort – they often help students who struggle with their heavy belongings. Bae said, “One time I had to bring a whole tuba home on the bus…and the bus lady and some other kids on the bus helped lift it.”

The attendants’ concern for the students extends to even the most trivial matters. Molly Doh in fifth grade said, “When there is a mosquito or some kind of bug, the bus attendant helps us catch the bug.” 

They also handle ruckus on the bus. Yong Suk Han, a bus assistant, said, “Due to the small space, there are brawls from time to time. As a result, peers and siblings sometimes fight over seats. So, to calm them down, I persuade them to stop bickering for 5 minutes.”

Bae also shared a similar experience: “The little kids in my bus are really loud, so the bus lady always tells them to be quiet. This is because there are other people in the back of the bus who are sleeping or relaxing.” According to Han, she shushes the kids because the bus becomes a buzz of noise even if one person talks. 

Regardless of these hardships, students motivate the ladies of their profession. “When l look at kids, they look adorable and give me strength to do my job,” said Jin Seon Hong. Han also expressed the sense of reward she feels when she sees students who previously bickered help each other out with their seatbelts. 

Even with their efforts, the attendants lack authority within the school. Yun Seon Hong said, “In the school, teachers can send the student to Mrs. Cameron, but we can’t. Students can be stubborn, and because we don’t know English, it can be difficult to understand what they’re saying. Also, because they can’t understand me when I ask these students to change their behavior and Korean students translate my message to them, they don’t take me as seriously.”

The attendants face challenges in their careers, from criticism to everyday ups and downs. Still, they value the safety and happiness of the pupils first and foremost. Take a moment to consider their tender care and express your gratitude.