In continuation from the previous edition of hidden figures at Ewha, Ewha Voice looked into the hardworking efforts and value of traffic control security guards and shuttle bus drivers.
Busy streets and roads both in and out of Ewha campus are filled with vehicles daily, and it is the traffic control security facility’s job to ensure students’ safety while commuting to campus.
The traffic control security guards of Ewha stand firm by five designated spots at the Main Gate, Welch-Ryang Auditorium, Main Hall, Ewha-POSCO Building and in front of the Statue of Mary Scranton to supervise the overall traffic situation. Other than safely leading students to cross the roads, the guards communicate through walkie- talkies with co-workers to update on unexpected traffic situations such as illegal parking or intentional blockings of paths by unauthorized vehicles.
Kwon Seong-jin, who has been working as a traffic control security guard at Ewha for the past 20 years, explained the complexity of his designated spot at the Main Gate.
“It is the junction close to the shuttle bus stop where vehicles and students interact most frequently,” Kwon said. “Thus, I pay extra attention to both cars and students to make sure they see my signal to stop.”
Kwon upholds the safety of students more than anything else.
“To be honest, we do not care much about the salary or the working conditions,” Kwon said. “While working, I always care about having a sense of duty because the biggest thing that still scares me until now is the possibility of students getting hurt.”
Approximately five years ago, a student passed away in a car accident on campus while she was riding an electric scooter on the road. The trauma from the accident still haunts the whole traffic control staff. As such, Kwon worries whenever he catches sight of students crossing the roads with their earphones or headphones on, or running in a hurry after getting off the shuttle bus.
“I do not want such an accident to happen again,” Kwon said. “It is why I raise my voice to alert students not paying attention to traffic even if I may come off a little harsh. I do not mean to hurt their feelings, but it is inevitable for their safety.”
As a traffic control guard, Kwon feels proud of his job when students appreciate his care for them. Indeed, the traffic control staff’s sweet gestures and friendliness have been noted by many students throughout the years.
“We once received a huge thank-you card by a group of Ewha students that was filled with lovely and encouraging words,” Kwon reminisced. “It ishung up on the wall at our office, and I get motivated to do my job better whenever I pass by it.”
Other than traffic safety guards, the shuttle bus drivers also put extensive efforts into ensuring the safety of the Ewha community. Jeon Hyo Seok, a driver of the Hanwoori Hall shuttle bus route, shared his experience of working as a shuttle bus driver for ten years.
The drivers of the Hanwoori Hall route start their day early in the morning at 8:25 a.m. and work until 7 p.m. The drivers then switch shifts with the night drivers. Meanwhile, drivers of the Ewha University- Industry Collaboration Building start their day before 7 a.m. and end their shifts at 4:30 p.m.
According to Jeon, there were improvements made to the shuttle bus route, which led the drivers to feel more comfortable.
“Several years ago, the shuttle bus was extended to subway stations including Ewha Womans University station and Gyeongbokgung station, which are located outside of the school campus” Jeon said. “Without the need to do this, there is much less risk to take, and the students’ safety is ensured.”
Jeon also indicated that he is always aware of the students’ opinions and wants them to freely express their concerns so that he can make adjustments for students to comfortably get to class.
“As the shuttle bus drivers and the students are in a cooperative relationship, I hope the students understand us more and try to be safe around campus,” Jeon mentioned.
Traffic safety guards and shuttle bus drivers are currently on campus ensuring the safety of our students. The efforts such hidden figures put into Ewha and the students should not be ignored as they are absolutely necessary for a campus full of joy.