As a freshman, I lived on the Vern. It was a great experience and I really loved the community that I was a part of. One of the Vern's hallmark characteristics, the Vern Express (aka the Vex), was a pretty big part of my life. It's how we got to and from Foggy, bonded over traffic jams, and listened to whatever music or funny jokes the wonderful Vex drivers had for us that day (so many thanks to them for being such wonderful people and dealing with us college students!!)
Flash forward 2 years and I have taken to thinking of buses here in Brazil kinda like the Vex. Buses in Salvador, while convenient, are quite an adventure. For many people, they are the main source of transportation. I take at least 3 buses a day getting to and from school, going to meet up with people, and exploring places around the city. As spring has finally hit in full force, the sunshine and the humidity are constants the second you step outside of a building. Let me tell ya, when everyone is trying to get around on buses carrying backpacks, grocery bags, and all sorts of other things, it get pretty crowded, hot, and sticky on buses. I usually leave for school when rush hour hits and depending how late my classes go, don't head out until its rush hour. That leaves a lot of time for me to be standing up on a bus, trying to keep my balance among people getting on and off, jostling around as the bus flies over bumps and potholes.
One thing that is extremely common for people to do here in Brazil is to hold your things for you on the bus if you are standing and they have a seat. That could seem like something that is really small and simple, but I love it. I'm so grateful when a kind stranger offers to hold my backpack or my books so that I don't have to worry about someone taking anything from it when its behind me or feeling like I'm going to tip over at any moment as the bus whips around corners. I usually can find a seat when my school bus (BusUFBA, you're my savior) comes and as it fills up, readily offer to hold some things for my fellow students.
Like I said, its something small, but its a way to make life a little easier for those around you on the bus. Although I'm sure there are people who already do this, I would love if this little act of kindness was something that was picked up by students at GW while on the Vex. We all know how Foxhall is during rush hour, and its no fun with that backpack that has your notes, computer, and a million other things in it weighing you down. Next time you are on the Vex and you see a fellow student standing with a ton of stuff, offer to help them out! Its a little act of kindness that, in my mind, can go a long way.