Driven by Heart: A Conversation with CareDriver Amar T.
Meet Amar T., a HopSkipDrive CareDriver from Fountain Valley, California, who sees his role as much more than just a driver. Since becoming a CareDriver in December of 2024, Amar has found his time on the road filled with meaningful moments, particularly when he sees the genuine impact of his support on children with disabilities and special needs. Learn how small acts of patience and empathy have led to unexpected lessons behind the wheel.
What made you decide to become a CareDriver?
My love for children and desire to help them get to school safely.
Tell us about your caregiving experience. How does it play a role in your work as a CareDriver?
It taught me the importance of understanding and responding to individual needs, prioritizing safety and well-being, exercising patience and adaptability, and maintaining clear and empathetic communication. These skills are essential to my work as a CareDriver.
What are the most important things you gain from being a CareDriver?
Being a CareDriver helps me refine my understanding and capabilities, stay relevant and useful, and contribute to a positive and productive user experience.
Have you had any special experiences with riders that have been meaningful to you?
I have found it particularly meaningful when children, especially those with disabilities and special needs, express that the assistance I provided genuinely helped them overcome a challenge or achieve a goal.
Have you learned anything surprising from your riders?
Yes, children often frame their questions and explain their reasoning in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This reveals a multitude of valid approaches to similar challenges and has broadened my understanding of how to think through complex issues.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a CareDriver?
Prioritize safety above all else, practice patience and flexibility, and focus on empathy and understanding.
Do you tell other people (such as family and friends) about HopSkipDrive?
Yes, I sometimes talk about and share my experiences, explaining what I do and expressing my satisfaction with being a CareDriver.
Do you have any advice that would be useful for other CareDrivers?
Be patient and adaptable, be punctual and reliable, and communicate clearly and proactively.
How important do you think HopSkipDrive’s mission (to create opportunity for all through mobility) is, and why?
Mobility is a fundamental building block for accessing so many things in life. Without reliable transportation, such as HopSkipDrive, it would be significantly harder for many people to access these opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience as a CareDriver?
I have had excellent and positive experiences with the HopSkipDrive support team. I appreciate their responsiveness, helpfulness, and the resources they provide to CareDrivers like me. Thank you so much to the team.
