Some AU students who ride the shuttles to and from Tenleytown know the distinct appearance of dreadlocks and a cowboy hat sported by shuttle driver Junior Roberts.
"I like western wear and have dreadlocks due to my Rasta heritage," Roberts said.
His fashion gives him a look that causes many students to strike up conversations with him, which Roberts said he doesn't mind because he enjoys observing student life at AU.
A Jamaican native, Roberts - or Harry, as he likes to be called - came to the United States 29 years ago. Although he has been here for almost three decades, he said that he still likes to return to the Caribbean whenever he can.
Roberts originally began driving buses for Montgomery County Public Schools. He then began working for AU - part-time at first, but eventually moving on to become a full-time staff member.
Roberts said his favorite parts about working at AU are his interactions with students and other shuttle riders.
"I like my job, as I meet people from all over the world," he said.
Nina Wallace, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, said one of her favorite qualities about Roberts is how friendly he is, as well as his personal style.
"His fashion sense is completely his own and really blends the western style he is interested in and his Jamaican heritage," she said. "It automatically makes him stand out, which I love."
Roberts said his job does not come without a few unfortunate incidents. He recounted a time when a skateboarder jumping a ramp ended up in front of his bus. Roberts also remembered a night when he had an encounter with a drunken student.
"I should have ducked one night when a student chose to dispose of his excess beer by vomiting on me," he said.
Despite some uncommon job hazards, Roberts continues to enjoy his job. He said he likes to joke about his array of experiences while working for AU, especially the vomiting incident.
"Just like [former] President Bush, I will learn to duck to avoid being hit," he said.
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