For many, memories of school bus rides fade into the background of countless childhood experiences.
Yet, for those fortunate enough to ride the bus driven by Curtis Jenkins, it’s an experience they eagerly anticipate each day.
Why? Because Curtis isn’t just their bus driver; to these kids, he’s family.
Curtis fully grasps the weight of his role. Every day, he’s tasked with safely transporting a busload of children to Lake Highland Elementary in Dallas, Texas.
But for him, the job doesn’t stop at ensuring their safety.
He sees these children as part of his community, and he wants each of them to know they’re as cherished as if they were his own.
Over time, Curtis has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure his young passengers feel comfortable, valued, and happy on their rides to school.
He’s determined to be a trustworthy figure in their lives, always emphasizing the importance of caring for and loving one another.
The kids’ affirmative responses to his lessons bring him immense joy.
As Curtis puts it, “I put time, effort, love, and care — understanding each and every one of those kids.”
Curtis’s unique approach to fostering responsibility and unity among children is truly special.
He assigns them playful roles like “administrative officer to the president” or “police officers.”
These titles, coupled with his genuine concern, endear him to the children, making their bus rides all the more memorable.
The school’s principal, Emily Gruninger, is full of praise for Curtis.
She notes, “He goes way beyond the outlined responsibilities and duties of a bus driver. I mean, that bus is like a family.”
Curtis’s response to such accolades is simple yet profound: “These are my children. These are my community. I love ’em all.”
Curtis’s commitment to the children doesn’t stop when the bus engine is turned off.
Throughout the school year, he surprises them with thoughtful gifts, often funded from his own pocket.
Each present is carefully chosen based on the individual child’s story, ensuring it brings genuine joy.
One particularly touching gesture involved a young girl who had crafted a book.
Curtis had a shirt made for her, featuring a print based on her creation.
It was his way of encouraging her to continue her passion for writing.
The children’s testimonials about Curtis are heartwarming.
Take Ethan, for instance, a boy grappling with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. For him, Curtis is more than a bus driver; he’s a role model.
“He’s the father that I always wanted. In some ways, I wish my dad could have been like that,” shares Ethan.
Curtis’s philosophy is simple: job satisfaction isn’t about a hefty paycheck.
His genuine care for the community’s children is a testament to the fact that one doesn’t need fame or fortune to make a difference.
It’s easy to assume that some jobs hold more significance than others.
However, Curtis proves that even seemingly small acts can have profound impacts.
For him, the love and trust he receives from the children on his bus are the ultimate rewards, bringing him unparalleled fulfillment.
See just how heartwarming Curtis’s relationship with “his kids” is the video below!
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