This year, I have again signed up for my third year to be part of the Trucker Buddy Program. My second grade class is located in Pennsylvania. Just recently, the students have written and sent letters to me. I always enjoy reading each one. Last weekend, I spent some time writing back to them answering each of their questions about my family, travel on the road, favorite food, and hobbies. These children are really interested in learning and it’s great to teach them about our profession as drivers and the interesting places we get to visit while doing our job.
For the last couple of months, I’ve picked up post cards along my route and sent them to the class. The teacher told me she discusses each location and has them look up interesting facts about the area and particular points of interest. If I’m scheduled to travel nearby the school, I make arrangements ahead of time with the teacher to visit the class in person. The students always enjoy getting an up close look inside the truck and trailer.
Each teacher and class differs from the previous year. It’s a great opportunity to work with the students and I’m honored to be a “Trucker Buddy”. Through being involved in the program we have the opportunity to assist in educating our students while promoting a positive image for the trucking industry.
If you decide to take part, I’m sure you’ll see why this is such a unique opportunity. If you have a heart, you’ll soon come to see that the rewards far outweigh the time you put into it.
Trucker Buddy International is a nonprofit organization which began in 1992 and is dedicated to helping educate and mentor schoolchildren. The organization matches school grades K-8th with professional truck drivers. Each week drivers share news about their travels while on the road. The students write to the driver and tell about class information they are studying. Students learn skills in math, science, history, social studies and geography while having fun communicating to their “trucker buddy driver.”
For more information go to https://www.truckerbuddy.org/