Maria Toro
For me, working as a school crossing guardian is so much more than just standing on a street in the sun. This work represents an immense responsibility and a source of constant joy, but also of challenges. Every day, I have the privilege of protecting children to and from school, children with stories, personalities, and dreams of their own, some of them so young that they can barely hold their backpacks, and others who seem already confident yet vulnerable. Some come alone, others accompanied by an older brother who takes them by the hand with a protective air, and many arrive hand in hand with their fathers or mothers, who always greet me kindly and thank me for the work I do.
This mix of families and young students trusting me reminds me of the importance of my work and fills my heart with joy. Knowing that I am a safe point in their daily commute, someone they can trust to cross a street that could be dangerous, gives me a satisfaction that is difficult to describe. After all, my job isn't just to stop vehicles; It's creating a space where children and their families can feel cared for, even if it's just for a brief moment of the day. Through their smiles, I feel a silent bond forming, a genuine connection that is built with looks, greetings, and small gestures that speak of trust and gratitude.
However, the sun is not always a gentle companion; There are days when the temperature is so high that the pavement seems to burn under my feet, as if the same street challenged me to remain firm in my mission. Summer days are especially hard. With each minute, the heat intensifies and the air becomes almost unbearable, transforming the wait into a test of endurance. But even so, every smile and every "thank you" I receive from those children and their families gives me the strength to keep going. No matter how hot the heat is, or how many drops of sweat run down my face, knowing that they are safe because of me and my partner motivates me to be here every day. Seeing the trusting eyes of the little ones waiting for my signal to cross, feeling the affection and respect they transmit to me, is the true engine of my work.
To face the heat and sometimes extreme conditions, I have learned to prepare myself as best I can. I always wear a big hat to protect myself from the sun, I apply sunscreen repeatedly and I carry a bottle of cold water that I try to ration throughout the day. I know that when I get home, the tiredness will be felt in every muscle in my body, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of having accomplished my mission. This work, although challenging, is an enriching experience that has taught me the importance of perseverance, patience and, above all, a vocation for service.
If one day the community could provide us with a small space of shade, such as an awning or a sentry box, in those moments of waiting when we are not crossing the children, it would be of great help. Being able to have shelter from the scorching sun and heavy rains, which sometimes come suddenly, would allow us to carry out our work more safely and comfortably. In addition, it would be ideal to have immediate access to a bathroom to cover our basic needs during the day, something that currently becomes a challenge that affects our comfort. We do not ask for great comforts, just a place to protect ourselves and have the essentials to continue fulfilling with dedication.
However, until that comes, I will continue here, standing in the sun or in the rain, with a heart full of joy and motivation, taking care of each of those little ones and their families who trust me.
Every day is an opportunity to be someone who makes a difference in their lives, to be a silent guardian on their path, and that is a mission I carry with pride and devotion.
My wish is that every child, as they look back on their school days, will remember the face of someone who, despite the adversity, was there to ensure their safety.
María Toro, 76 years old from Venezuela. Scool Crossing Guard
