Parenting is a journey filled with immense challenges and rewards. And, in many cases, daily job responsibilities can significantly impact the amount of time parents can dedicate to guiding, nurturing and supporting their children.
For bus driver, Fred Pemberton Sr., it’s no secret that his daughter and son are his top priority. In fact, the 52-year-old Oklahoma State graduate discovered a creative way to ensure he was a major part of their lives, integrating his daily job duties with his parenting role.
As a longtime resident of Douglas County, Pemberton enthusiastically joined the Transportation Department with the Douglas County School System in 2021, with the goal to “drive his own kids to school.”
“I joined the transportation department to be able to spend the whole day with my kids. I wanted them to be able to get on whatever bus they wanted to be on,” said Pemberton. “So, when I was offered the opportunity, I couldn’t turn it down.”
Although Pemberton has always been an involved parent at his son’s school, his flexible schedule as a bus driver has enabled the dynamic duo to start and end their days together. Additionally, when school is out, they are able to share more significant moments because “if they are out of school, we are out of school,” he said.
Fred Pemberton Jr. admits that waking up at 5 a.m. every morning to ride with dad is no easy task. However, their bond has only grown stronger, and he enjoys being able to “tell his friends all about dad’s role as a bus driver.”
Most recently, Pemberton found joy in sharing invaluable advice with his son, teaching him life lessons during their memorable rides to school. Pemberton Jr. is headed to middle school and was adamant about staying behind at Bill Arp Elementary to remain with his friends. Dad recognized this as a teachable moment for his impressionable son.
“You can’t stay in one place. You have to progress and move forward. People are going to come into your life for a reason, they're coming for a season,” explained Pemberton. "You may inspire someone by coming into their lives. If you’re staying in the same place, how are you going to meet those people?”
When asked about some of their favorite hobbies together, both father and son mentioned Pemberton Jr.’s love for exploring Teslas. They venture over to Target often, so he can capture fun photos with the popular electric cars. Pemberton shared that it’s a way to teach him social skills, requiring him to ask the owner’s permission prior to taking the photos. Despite Pemberton’s busy work schedule, he wants to ensure his son engages in the activities he enjoys most in life.
The rising Fairplay Middle School sixth-grader aspires to become a Tesla engineer. However, the 11-year-old is not only a Tesla enthusiast; his father inspired him to start a kid-focused YouTube channel, garnering over 174,000 subscribers and nearly 975,000 views. https://www.youtube.com/@Tesla_Fred101/shorts
“I make random videos three or four times a day,” he said. His video content includes him gaming with friends and embracing youthful humor.
The Sociology major and former football coach expressed the importance of listening to children and finding out what they desire in life. “Instill everything that was instilled in you so they can be better than you,” he said.
Pemberton also mentioned a career change may not be feasible for every parent’s household.
“But, it’s important that time is well spent with them when they return home from school. Find out how their day was because if you don’t, someone else will,” he emphasized.
As he transitions to Fairplay Middle School, the dedicated father and his son are excited about the upcoming school year. They are looking forward to riding the new bus route together and making more precious memories.
“It’s important to be in your child’s life,” he said. “Money is not everything. I am fulfilled and know the blessings will continue to flow as I continue to help others.”
As for Pemberton’s 19-year-old daughter, Frances Raye Pemberton, she is now flourishing at Kennesaw State University, a testament to the valuable life lessons her father shared with her during their cherished bus rides to school.