Getting on the school bus every morning requires more steadfast fortitude than most adults think, especially during the nationwide bus driver shortage. While the efforts by the administration to help both students and employees are valiant, it’s hard to force more teenagers into a moving tin can than it can hold. 

In the spirit of the upcoming season of contrition, I’d thought I would impart my knowledge of surviving public school buses on my fellow members of the Meridian student body. Welcome to the jungle!

Tip 1: If you can, go to the bus stop before yours to be sure to get a seat with only two people.

This is best done if you live on a street with multiple stops. For example, the three intersection pick-ups on Hillwood are somewhat walkable.

Tip 2: Never sit in a seat with a kid in a football uniform — or anyone else with sports equipment.

Tip 3: Never sit next to a musician with an instrument larger than a clarinet.

Both are very valuable lessons that every student should learn before there’s a bus shortage.

Tip 4: Keep your eyes on the aisle so you don’t trip on backpacks.

Falling = bad. Pretty self explanatory.

Tip 5: Do. Not. Drop. Anything. You will lose it.

Good luck to all the students and bus drivers as the winter wonderland weather settles in, thank goodness for central heating.