Every bus and train has a special area for priority seating, seats that are supposed to be reserved for elderly, handicapped, pregnant women, or women with small children. I appreciate that these spaces exist but, more than that, I appreciate that most people respect these spaces and are glad to offer them to those in need. (Emphasis on most. I am sure that at some point in the near future you will be reading a rant about how inconsiderate some people are and how miffed I am when I’m not offered a seat, despite being obviously pregnant.)
Pregnancy has changed much of the way I do things, including how I get to work. Instead of riding my bike each day (about 30 minutes each way), I now have to take the train and the bus (about 40 minutes each way). Generally it isn’t too bad, but if I have to go to work a little earlier or I live a little later than normal, the trains/busses are packed and my commute can be a real pain in the ass.
Yesterday, as I was standing at the bus stop outside the high school I work at, I looked at all the students around me (at least 100 of them) and lamented over the fact that there was no way I was going to get a seat on the bus today. Granted, I can manage, but it certainly isn’t comfortable. 25 minutes of standing, in a packed bus, with my big ‘ole belly, it’s just not my idea of a good time.
The first two busses pulled up, announced that they were full, and without even opening their doors pulled away again.
The third bus came, after I had already been standing at the bus stop for about 15 minutes, and thankfully had some room. My students and I mobbed our way towards the bus and many of us were able to get on. All the normal seats were filled long before I boarded the bus but, much to my relief, two of the priority seats were open. But the aisle was so crammed with students, that I couldn’t imagine how I would get over there.
As I stood there, trying to figure out how to make this work. One of my students sat down in the priority seat and told one of her friends to sit beside her. Her friend pointed to the sign and told her that the seats were priority seats. The girl sitting down explained that it was ok, the bus was filled with students, no one needed those seats. The girl that was still standing seemed to think about her remarks carefully, while scanning the bus to be sure that what she was saying was true. As she scanned, our eyes met. But Danielle-sensei is on the bus, she said.
After making this realization, she asked some of the students that were between me and the priority seat to make way. My big ‘ole belly and I waddled through the aisles and practically fell into the seat. I was glad to be off my feet for the ride, and really impressed and thankful that there are still some kind and considerate high school students in this world. Actually, I was quite impressed with her and I can only hope that one day my son/daughter will be just as thoughtful of others as well.
