As the city is still covered in a blanket of night, the clock reads 5:30 am. The noise of lonely cars and the faint beginning of the birds chirping can be heard on the deserted streets. Only few people already woke up.

24 year old Jerilynn Blanton is waking up early in the morning from Monday to Friday to go to school, even though she already graduated. She has been working as a bus driver at Apple Bus Company for one year, transporting children before and after school.

“I just saw it [the vacancy] and applied, got the job and i’m doing it,” said Blanton.

She has to be ready to go at approximately 6am. For a lot of people it is early in the morning, but Blanton enjoys her current occupation.  

“I like the kids. Buses are really good, and the other drivers are awesome. It’s a good company to work for. It’s something temporary as for right now,” said Blanton.

No matter what, she and other Ray-Pec drivers have to leave bus lots at 6:09. Blanton picks high school students up and takes them to the school. Part of her job is to make sure that no one is left behind and picked up.

After being stuck on high school roads she is going to pick up elementary school kids. Around 8:40 she is done with her morning shift. Blanton is driving bus #18 and she does not have any problems with students who are taking this bus.

“My kids don’t talk much but it’s cool,” said Blanton.

Whether sun is shining bright or it’s raining hard, bus drivers come back at 2pm to take kids home. Her work usually is over around 4:40pm and the rest of the day she spends how she wants.

“Hours are stressful sometimes. Getting up early in the morning, going home and then coming back. When I’m coming back in the afternoon, I have a big break. It’s probably the one thing that I don’t like about it. There is nothing else, I mean, it’s really easy. You’re just driving,” said Blanton.

Between the morning and afternoon shifts she is taking care of her two year old child. Nevertheless, she is looking forward for a new career movements.

“Right now, I’m just looking for another job. I take care of two year old Milynn between and after the work. It’s pretty much it. I was coaching basketball over the winter, but it’s just ended, so now I’m not doing much. It’s kinda nice,” said Blanton.

Bus driving gave her opportunity to not only earn money, but also take care of her family and her future life. In near future she wants to go back to school and become a vet tech or a nurse.

With a smile. Picking up kids on the way and taking them to school, or/and home makes driver Jerilynn Blanton happy. Even though she has to wake at 5:30 in the morning. “I like the kids. Buses are really good, and the other drivers are awesome. It’s a good company to work for. It’s something temporary as for right now,” said Blanton.

Twice five days per week. Driving the school bus, Jerilynn Blanton makes sure that every kid on her bus gets to his/her destination. She has been working as a bus driver for one year. “I mean, it’s really easy. You’re just driving,” said Blanton.