Name: Erin Deppe

Town where you live: Emmaus

Tell us about your family:

"I have been married for 11 years to Craig who is a Paramedic for the Borough of Emmaus. We have two children - Garrett who is 8 and going to 3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary, and Grace who is 5 and going to kindergarten, also at Jefferson Elementary. We have a dog named Buddy and a Goldfish named Goldie."

What do you do for a living?

"I am a school bus driver for First Student. I drive for Eyer Middle School and Seven Generations Charter School."

How long have you been a bus driver?

"This will be my second school year driving the bus."

What motivated you to pursue your career?

"I have a degree in Early Childhood and had worked in childcare for 15 years. I decided that I would like more time with my children and family. I love that I am off when the kids are off - holidays, snow days and summers!"

Tell us about the challenges of driving a school bus.

"There are definitely many challenges in driving a school bus. First and most important is always safety - safety for all of the students riding my bus, safety for myself driving such a large vehicle, and also safety for all of the other drivers on the road. If you think about driving your car and the distractions you have with your children, other vehicles, etc., imagine doing that in a school bus with 40 some children!!"

Have there been any special moments during your experience?

"When I have seen parents and they thank me for making sure their children get to and from school safely. I think of all the students on my bus as 'my children,' and treat them as if their were my own."

What do you love most about your job?

"I love that the children are usually excited about going to school. There are some that would rather not be going, but usually I am met with a smile and 'Good Morning!'"

Are you involved with any other jobs or community volunteer roles? 

"I am involved with Jefferson Elementary where my children attend. I volunteer in the classroom and for several things on the PTO. I also am the wife/secretary for Cub Scout Pack 80 of which my husband is the Cubmaster."

In your free time, what are your hobbies/interests?

"I try to spend a lot of time with family. We love to travel especially the beach and Walt Disney World."