HEERA ALAYA

IN CONVERSATION

“You need to obey the law. If I put up my hand, you must stop.
My job is important; I keep people safe.”

LINDA
Crossing guard, USA

January 1st, 2021

Heera Alaya: [We hug] Good morning, Linda.

Linda: Good morning. Good morning.

Thank you for accommodating me in your schedule.

I haven’t done this [spoken about her job] before. I am happy to answer your questions.

You are going to rock, Linda. Let’s do it.

What is your position called?

A crossing guard.

What is the role of a crossing guard?

My job is to ensure the safety of pedestrians, children and their parents, as well as motorists. When children need to cross the street, I raise my stop sign to halt traffic.

And you work near school zones?

Yes.

For how long have you been a crossing guard?

I have been at this job for over five and a half years.

What inspired you take up this job?

I was getting bored at home. So I decided to go through a senior program and the counsellor asked me, “How would you like to be a crossing guard?” At that time, I didn’t know much about the job. The counsellor assured me I would be good at it, and she was right—I am good and happy. I am grateful for the opportunity.

What time do you need to report to your post?

My duty is between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, and then from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

And what time do you wake up to make it in time for work?

5:00 am.

Do you drink or eat anything before leaving home?

I have a smoothie and a cup of green tea before arriving in the morning.

Are you off duty when school closes for the summer?

Yes. But I do special events; there is always extra work.

Which season poses the greatest challenge for you as a crossing guard?

Oh, mercy! Summer and winter. In the summer, we dress lightly, but it’s extremely hot. I bought a portable, battery-run fan to place on my face to cool down. I also drink a lot of cold water. And in the winter, I wear hand warmers, shoe warmers and snowshoes. If the snowfall gets too heavy, we can go indoors for 10 to 20 minutes to warm up. But I have to be at my post by the time the children arrive, between 7:15 am and 8:00 am.

How do you handle rainy weather?

We have rain gear.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most exciting aspect of my job is interacting with my children and their parents.

Linda, I’ve observed that many people stop to greet you. What about your nature do you think draws people in?

I have a positive spirit. You must have a good spirit for people to want to talk to you. Just the other day, someone came up, hugged me, and was back in the line to hug me again. When I get up in the morning to get here, I am happy.

What would you like people to understand about your role?

I want people to know that we are here to protect you, and we deserve to be respected, whether you are driving a car or walking. For instance, when a car came down the street, signaled for the driver to stop, but she kept driving and swiped me from the back; I felt the wind. Also, you need to obey the law. If I raise my hand, you must stop. I want people to realise that my job is important; I keep people safe.

For how many more years do you plan to work in this job?

Until I am 75 years old. [Laughs]

And why not [keep working]; it keeps you feeling healthy.

Yeah. We have folks who are 70 years old, still working, and happier than ever.

What benefits do you find in staying active?

Staying active truly helps me feel youthful and keeps my body and legs agile. I have friends who have retired and are at home now, and they are stiff and complaining; they have no life. The best part of my job is that I can stand here at the post and never have to catch a flight

What do you mean?

I have the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world. I have friends from Poland and Germany; I know a lot of Russians and Chinese. There’s even a gentleman from Norway who used to pass by me every day. One day, he told me he was preparing to return to Norway, saying, “I’m going to miss you,” and I miss him too. Meeting so many people through my work makes me feel like an international traveler.

I love your perspective. Is there anyone in particular that you remember fondly?

I do. I was standing in my corner when two little boys and their father, who happens to be a teacher, walked up to me with a basket of flowers. One of the boys was carrying a card. The boys gave me the flowers and the card and said, “We appreciate you. We thank you.” It nearly brought me to tears.

This gesture speaks directly to who you are and to the parent.

Thank you. The parents are very nice, and when they are, it shows in their children. We have ups and downs, but there is more good in the world. Where one person doesn’t speak to me, ten others speak to me, hug me, and bring me coffee, too.

How do you like to unwind after your school day?

I enjoy sitting at home with my cat, having a hot cup of tea, and eating fish (that’s what I will have for dinner tonight). On Sunday, I visit my children and spend time with my grandchildren.

And how is Mr Cloud [her cat] doing?

You remember his name!

Of course, I do. How old is Mr Cloud now?

He is four years old.

Mr Cloud is a young fellow.

Linda, what are your thoughts on diversity?

Don’t start me crying. We are all human beings and want to be loved and respected. We do what everyone else does; we have thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Colour, race, these things don’t mean anything. What is in your heart counts, and how you treat others.

One final question—how did you come to be called Linda Love?

When a father asked his five-year-old daughter what my name was, she responded: “Linda Love.”

Thank you, Linda Love.

You are welcome. This talk is interesting.

President, Farm Sanctuary, USA