Michael Mason had a storied career with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. As the Executive Assistant Director, he oversaw the FBI\u2019s criminal branch. \u201cAbout half of the FBI fell under me,\u201d Mason says. \u201cAnd I was, just for context, fourth on the FBI\u2019s food chain.\u201d Now? He\u2019s a school bus driver for special education students.<\/p>\n
After working at the FBI for 23 years, Mason briefly retired. After learning that more than half of America\u2019s school districts are reporting \u201csevere\u201d or \u201cdesperate\u201d school bus driver shortages, including in his own community in Chesterfield, Virginia, Mason decided to do something to alleviate the problem and applied to become a school bus driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the pandemic struck, there were so many people that were doing so many extra things. People like reporters and grocery store workers who still had to get out and get their job done. I felt like I can be doing something to help in this post-pandemic recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hopes to inspire others to get involved in their communities. \u201cI believe if all of us gave a little something, wow, how we could impact this world. How we could change this world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
It may not be his first career, but Mason takes his job seriously. \u201cBefore we start up the bus each morning, I do a pre-inspection and make my rounds on the bus. The thing that I want to primarily assure is that every kid is going to be safe on this bus.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m probably one of the few bus drivers who has Turtle Wax in his kit back there, because my hood was so oxidized and I said, \u2018Oh no. I can\u2019t do that,’\u201d Mason said with a laugh. \u201cSo, I am what I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve done some important things, but guess what? This is important, too,\u201d Mason said. \u201cThis job has truly expanded my capacity for empathy and understanding,\u201d he says. \u201cI have kids who are sometimes as placid as a beautiful lake, and sometimes are as chaotic as a storm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mason hopes his nonlinear career move will inspire others to recognize that \u201cimportant work\u201d comes in many forms, and whether you\u2019re an executive of a critical government body or a school bus driver, \u201cwe all contribute stones to build the cathedral.\u201d<\/p>\n