I have been riding the bus for about a year. In the beginning, I was terrified! Is this the bus I get on? Who can I ask? Am I outbound or inbound? What if the bus is late? Why is that crazy woman yelling at me and telling everyone I’m her daughter? I’ve never seen her before in my life! Luckily, I found that there is a whole culture and community when riding the bus. I have definitely had my share of frustrations when riding, but to smooth out those rough days, I have my bus buddies.
It took time for my relationship to develop with my bus buddies. There is a small group of Loggers that rides the 16 each day and one woman I recognized from my time as a student. She’s very popular and knows pretty much everyone on campus. I’m staff now, so I should be bold and strike up conversation with her, right? I mean, we’re all staff, there’s no reason to be shy! It took about 14 bus trips with the lady, Jane, before I was confident enough to speak to her, but after that, we were fast friends. Through her, I met Zac, my other bus buddy. The two of them are absolutely wonderful and have made my time on the bus much too short. I’m always a little bit sad when we pass 15th and Oakes because I know that soon it will be time to get off and we will part for the day.
While riding, we talk about the bus drivers and schedules, as well as work and family. It makes me sad to think that I might never have had the opportunity to get to know them, if it hadn’t been for the bus. Our friendship has moved beyond the bus too. We’ve gone out for dinner and drinks and have met each other’s partners and friends. There’s always a giggle over how we met. “We’re bus buddies!” we proudly shout.
It’s always a joy to bump into each other on campus. There’s a throwing up of our arms in the air and a hollering of, “BUS BUDDY!” as we rush towards each other. People stare. It’s okay. You’ll understand, someday.
Amy, Staff Member
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