Mary Gonzalez of Port Hueneme, CA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Mary Gonzalez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Mary, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
These are some of the things that are bringing me joy out of work lately: My folklorico group because everyone has a good sense of humor and sends good vibes. The other thing the brings me joy out of work is my exercise class everyone is so positive, welcoming, shares smiles. Gatherings with my daughters, grandkids, and in-laws, especially when we gather to eat chilaquiles on Sundays. I’m always a happy person no matter where I am, or what I’m doing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I emigrated to the United States as a fifteen year old teen, and I never attended school in this country officially, but I did attend adult classes to learn the language. I worked in the fields when I was sixteen or seventeen, and then I worked on a mushroom farm when I was about twenty years old and met my ex-husband whom I was married to for about forty years.
I have been a school bus driver over twenty-one years, and I really love my job. I love driving the big bus and receiving compliments from the kids, especially when they gift me flowers, dry leaves, notes, drawings, rocks,…
After my divorce, even though it was difficult, painful, and I’m still struggling, I feel I’ve been enjoying my life more because I participate in many outdoor activities like hiking, exercising, folklorico, going to different Senior Citizens Centers to enjoy the different events, holidays, and celebrations.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My memory of feeling powerful happened as an adult when I became a bus driver. Before this happened, I didn’t feel very smart, and the person who’d put me down encouraged me to be a bus driver since I didn’t think I could do it, but he told me I could do it.
I had to go through different kinds of trainings, classes, tests, and I had to take classes to learn how to manage kids like special needs kids, challenging, and mainstream kids.
These are the things that made me feel powerful and proud of myself for driving a bus full of over eighty children. Driving such bus made me feel in awe.
The fact that I’m also a mother to three beautiful daughters and three beautiful granddaughters makes me feel even more powerful.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are a couple of times when I was ready to give up. For example, when I was getting my GED or high school equivalence. I was sixty when I started taking classes at home or in person for about four years, and some personal issues creeped up in my life that affected my class performance. I passed all the tests the first time except reading. It took me two years just to pass the reading test, and many I was ready to give up, but I didn’t and am glad.
The other big challenge was my marriage because the person I was with was psychologically abusive, and I was raised of the mentality that marriage was forever, so I put up with a lot of awful things, and, only because of my belief system, I didn’t give up and stay in the marriage till he decided to leave, or I’d still be together.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. The public version of me is the real me even in private.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a really happy and smiling person. I think I’m this way because I’m always actively exercising.

Image Credits
I, Maria Gonzalez, certify that I own the rights and permission to publish the pictures submitted.

Photo credit for MARY35225.jpg: Cuco Lira
Bus: Alisa, friend
Inside bus: Selfie
Hiking: Neil