“There was a lady who did it for years but she moved. They needed someone out there, so I’ve been the substitute crossing guard since October or November. I try really hard to know everyone by their first names. Being the first person they see every morning is the best. I am the queen of morning people. I’m out there with my coffee and my sign every morning, smiling ear-to-ear, and yelling good morning at them. I’m so annoying, but it’s a nice way to start your day rather than just silence.

I’m going to miss seeing them and knowing how they’re doing and how their day is going to be. Some kids I could tell how their day was going to be based on how they came in, or how they crossed. This summer with them being gone and not seeing them, there are some that you just worry about.

I adore these kids. They’re so sweet. They care about you. Once you’re their person, they have your back. Some of them just need a person. They just need someone. Someone that will be in their corner. Someone to root for them. I like being a person they see every day. I’m somebody consistent. Somebody they can talk to and say anything to, and someone that won’t judge them.”