"Those Are the Moments That Remind Me Why I Drive": A PLCS Van Driver Shares Her Story, 9/26/2026

Every school day, Ms. Escamilla helps PLCS students get to and from school safely as a district van driver. But as she shares, the job is about much more than the route between home and school. "One of the unexpected rewards of being a school van driver is getting to be part of the little stories that happen between home and school," she said.

One of those stories began last year, when a preschooler joined the transportation program partway through the school year. He recognized some of the children from school, but the van was unfamiliar, and his nervousness was easy to see. His mom checked in about the van each morning and afternoon. Over time, Ms. Escamilla and her aide watched him change. He grew more comfortable with the other students, began joining their imaginary games, and eventually filled the van with his laughter. This year, she has the privilege of transporting him again.

Recently, he spent his morning ride sharing his excitement about his very first trip to a pumpkin patch: his plan to find the biggest pumpkin, how he would see scary things without getting scared, and his hope that there would be bubbles. On the ride home, he had plenty more to share, and the conversation grew to include students from third grade all the way up to ninth grade, with everyone chiming in about pumpkins, Halloween, and their own experiences. When Ms. Escamilla and her aide told his mom how much he had been talking with everyone, she was genuinely happy to hear it. Knowing he felt comfortable enough to open up on the van was just as meaningful to her as hearing about his day.

For Ms. Escamilla, moments like these capture what the role is truly about. "We aren't simply driving students from one place to another. We're helping create a safe, familiar part of their day," she said. "Sometimes, the most rewarding part of the job is something as simple as a preschooler being excited enough to tell you about his first trip to the pumpkin patch. Those are the moments that remind me why I drive."

PLCS is currently hiring van drivers and aides. Those interested in becoming the familiar face a student looks forward to seeing each morning, and in being part of the everyday moments that matter, can learn more and apply at plcschools.org/hiring.