An online publication for creative work from diverse students at South Puget Sound Community College

May 29th – Double Feature: English Language Learners Student Narratives

The First Day Taking the Bus in the United States

     Have you ever taken a bus to school or anywhere in the U.S.? Since my car was broken, I took the bus to go out.  I started to feel anxiety as I thought about that trip. However, when I stood at Lacey Center Transit to find a bus on board schedule for bus to my school, the security guard, whose name I don’t know, helped me pick up the number 68 bus exactly. I felt comfortable because of the experience riding the bus, being on time, and the driver’s carefulness, and greetings from them.

      I got on the bus, and I chose a seat behind to look at everything clearly. I saw the driver’s eyes look at me, still I sat safe on a chair. I also saw a young woman smile on her face with me, and I also opened my mouth to smile at her. After that, the bus ran on the street. I looked at my phone to know what time this was. It was 7:27am. The bus had started at 7: 26 am, but at 7:24am everything was ready to wait for the clock to run up 7:26am. The bus moved on the street on time. I took a deep breath and looked at two sidewalks. I took a notebook and a pen to write the name of the street, looked at the Google App on my phone, and I drew my map for me. I noticed a young man. He sat in front of old people, and he wrote something and continued in his notebook from page to other page. Suddenly, an old man raised his left hand to pull a yellow wire and I heard the next bus stop. He said thank you and the bus driver responded thank you and have a good day with him and everyone. After that, an old woman went in and found the seat.  I felt with couple of eyes look carefully in the mirror to help know when I rode the bus. I began to understand that most drivers had a duty to be careful. I wasn’t worried about riding on the bus. Instead, I was comfortable and confident in this way. Although, it took me about 50 minutes to get to my class on time. After class by following these ways, I went home safely.

     My first experience taking a bus in the U.S was wonderful. I understand that I need to come to the bus stop in for at least 5 minutes. I like many people in the U.S. because of their friendliness. The bus driver always says hello and have a great day to everyone. Many people sat on the bus to wait for the driver to drive the bus, but they didn’t worry about the time so they were relaxed and calm, such as reading a book, listening to music, talking to their family or friends, smiling at everyone. And me, I took a deep breath, smiled and looked at the street. I appreciated the bus driver because he was friendly, always smiling with everyone. He helped me come back home safe and helped me understand that if I had compassion and wisdom, I would get a job driving the bus to service in the community. I will never forget how comfortable it was the first day take a bus in the U.S. and I will confidently take a bus every day.

Nha Nguyen

Nha Nguyen is an international student from Vietnam and lives in Lacey.  She was a treasurer and worked in human resources in Vietnam. She likes going for a walk, cooking food, and spending time with her kids.  She has been studying English for about one year at SPSCC. She has been living in the U.S. for 23 months.