If someone told you that navigating a 10-foot-high and 40-foot-long school bus around the narrow and often treacherous hills of Harvard was easy, you'd probably be somewhat skeptical. But, recently, Maud Goodwin, Harvard school bus driver, told the Press just that.

From left, Elizabeth Cohen, Emily Riddle, and Maud Goodwin talk about their summer vacations on the first day of school. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Press: How long have you been driving a school bus?

Maud: I've been driving a school bus for 28 years. I drove for 16 years in Shirley, where I live, and now 12 years here in Harvard for Gokey and Quinn.

Press: What time do you get started in the morning?

Maud: I get up around 4 a.m. and I'm at work around 5:30. I check to see what vehicles are going out and make sure they are fueled and clean. I do my morning school runs and come back to the garage. I usually have paperwork to do and some small odd jobs. Midday I do my kindergarten run, then have my lunch and finish up any unfinished jobs before going back out to take the students home.

I have to do a pre-trip, which is a list of all the equipment that needs to be checked before leaving the bus yard. The bus needs to be in good safe working condition.

Press: How many routes do you handle?

Maud: I do two routes A.M. and P.M.—Bromfield, Hildreth, and a kindergarten route; I also do extracurricular runs. Last year I drove bus #110. This year I will be driving #116. My bus route will be the same as last year—West Bare Hill Road and Still River Road area. I finish up my day at around 4:30 p.m.

Maud’s trademark smiley face brightens the trip for her passengers.

Press: Do you have any other duties at Gokey & Quinn?

Maud: I train and conduct an annual in-service [classroom refresher course] for all the drivers. I instruct all the new drivers. They are required to have 60 hours of training to take the test for their license. I accompany them to take their test in Fitchburg. I have paperwork I log into the computer for the mechanics in the garage. I also have to keep records for my daily bus log.

Press: What do you like most about your job?

Maud: I love my job. I love picking up and dropping off the kids. All my kids are special to me. I love it when they give me pictures. I am really sentimental. People always ask if I like driving the little kids best. The truth is all the kids are great. The older ones are so polite and well mannered.

Press: Is there anything kids and parents can do to make your job easier?

Maud: Yes, the students need to remember to remain seated at all times. It would also be very helpful for their parents to go over the school bus rules with them. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there. They are on their cell phones or texting and can drive right through the flashing lights of the bus. For their own safety, kids really need to wait until the bus is stopped and the doors are open, and I give them the thumbs up to approach the bus. My goal is to get everyone to school safely, and the best way to do that is through teamwork.

Press: How do you prepare the kids for an emergency situation?

Maud: On the first day of school I stand up in front of the bus, go over the school bus rules and the emergency exits with the students. I answer any questions they may have. We also do school bus evacuation three times a year. This teaches the students how to get off the school bus going out the rear emergency door with the assistance of two older student helpers, a head-counter, and a line-leader. They are shown how to open the emergency windows, roof hatches, and driver's door. Also, every morning on my bus when I arrive at H.E.S. a different student learns how to open my driver's door.

Press: Is there anything that drivers need to be reminded of about school buses?

Maud: Yes, that bus drivers are carrying precious cargo, and when the bus is stopped with the red flashing school bus lights, they also need to be stopped. Please don't try to pass the bus or follow too closely.

Press: The first thing you notice when your bus comes down the road is a great big yellow smiley face. What does it symbolize?

Maud: Honestly, that is my outlook for people and life. I try to make every day happy.

Press: You put in 11-hour days at the bus company. Do you have any hobbies or other interests that we would be surprised to know about?

Maud: On my summer vacation I went to upstate New York. I like bird watching, working in my flower and vegetable gardens, photography, sledding, and hanging out with my granddaughter, April. I don't know if I should admit this but, I am a big fan of Lady Gaga. In fact, April and I recently attended one of her concerts. It was great!

Press: Is it easier to drive a car or a school bus?

Maud: Would you believe it if I told you it was a school bus?

It was apparent after speaking with Maud that she is definitely most comfortable 10 feet off the ground and that she truly enjoys her job. Her boss at Gokey & Quinn, Tony Abatsis, echoes the sentiment that children and parents all over Harvard have for Maud. "I can tell you Maud exemplifies what a school bus driver should be. She interacts well with the kids, the parents, and the school staff. We couldn't afford to lose her. She makes it look easier than it is."