Last friday was the last day of middle school. This is the third spring I’ve worked as a Crossing Guard, and if anything, it has helped me be a very patient and calm individual. There are many things out there to cause me grief- nearly getting hit by cars during the morning rush, having glass bottles flung at me by renegade high-schoolers, having kids sneak up behind me and set off fireworks to startle me, getting heckled by annoying former high school classmates, et cetera.
My relationship with the students of the school is one of distanced respect. I’m there to watch out for them, and to be the police department’s eyes and ears for any wrongdoing. I try not to be too friendly with them- I want them to respect me and be polite around me, but I don’t want them to get so comfortable around me that they think that they will get away with anything. I also do not wish to be in a situation where I may falsely be accused of wrongdoing around a minor, if you get my drift. I try not to get too bent out of shape when kids act up- their behavior is fueled by our reactions, and I’ve seen other guards who are wrecks because every day is spent constantly screaming at kids who are going out of their way to harass the guard.
On my last day before summer break (I am off until the end of August) a sixth grader handed me an envelope, thanked me for crossing him, and said goodbye. I thanked him for the envelope and told him I looked forward to crossing him and his friends next year. When I got home I read the envelope. Inside was a ‘thank you’ card with a short letter from the boy’s parents, thanking me for keeping their child safe. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t grinning a mile wide 
They also gave me a $5.00 Starbuck’s gift certificate as a thank you present :eek:
I have been holding this job down longer than any other job. Considering I haven’t gotten fired/driven the point of quitting, I consider that a good sign. But at the same time, I have worked there long enough that each day is a rather mundane ritual. I wouldn’t say I’m bored with it, actually, the shifts are so short (hour in the morning, hour in the afternoon) it doesn’t even feel like work- more like waiting for the bus or something! So it was a nice little reminder how much some people appreciated what I do, in a time in my life when I am realizing how good I feel by helping other people, but seldom receive positive feedback.
