Next up in our Women's History Month series is Monroe-Woodbury bus driver Cheri Gatling. In her Question and Answer segment, Cheri tells us more about the joy driving a bus brings her and how connections with students and families make every day memorable.
M-W Director of Transportation Dawn Russell shared thoughts about Cheri and her contributions to the transportation team:
“Cheri greets every student on the bus by name. She always has a fun activity planned for each holiday that involves everyone on the bus. She knows that her students and parents depend on her, which is reflected in her excellent attendance. Cheri adds a dose of creativity to make being a safe school bus rider fun!”
Q& A with Bus Driver Cheri Gatling
Q: How long have you worked at Monroe-Woodbury?
A: I have been with Monroe-Woodbury for 6 years
Q: What role do you play at M-W?
A: My role with Monroe-Woodbury is a bus driver, but I play several roles. I feel like their second mom, a therapist, a nurse, a teacher, a security officer and, most importantly, their friend.
Q: What is the best part about your job?
A: What’s most rewarding about my job is seeing everyone on my bus happy, safe and comfortable while in my care, and hearing about it from their parents. We celebrate holidays, birthdays and special occasions. I get to meet so many wonderful students and learn all about them and they get to know me as well.
Q: What important lessons have you learned by doing your job?
A:
1. [I quote] “In seeking happiness in others, you’ll find it in yourself!”
2. Little things matter (Say good morning, good afternoon, understand their likes, dislikes, interests) ;
Q: Who is your hero and why?
A: My hero is Ruby Bridges. She was the first African American person to desegregate the William Frantz Elementary School at age 6, facing very unhappy adults, kids & community. She had to have an escort by US Marshals to and from school. Her courage has paved the way for many others and inspired me throughout life.
Q: Name three characteristics that describe you.
A: Funny; dedicated; fair, but firm
I absolutely love my responsibility as an M-W Bus Driver!
Q: What would you like people to remember about you?
A: Cheri was a bus driver who cared. She did everything possible to represent her district and community and make them proud.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t feel pressured to follow the crowd. Be yourself, but be a 'good self' and the right people will support and respect you. Kindness Matters.