After working in an office setting, Sendejas knew she wanted to explore a new career path and decided to pursue a career in transportation. She completed her training and began driving local buses before applying to Baldwin Park Unified.
Nearly a decade later, she continues to find purpose in a career that allows her to serve her community while remaining close to her own children, all of whom have attended BPUSD schools, including two graduates.
Currently assigned to an elementary school route, Sendejas values the relationships she has developed with students and families. Throughout her career, she has transported students of various ages across multiple schools, taking on a variety of assignments, including daily arrivals and departures, field trips, school events, and more. She approaches her responsibilities with the same care she would give her own children.
"We are often one of the first people students see in the morning and one of the last they see at the end of the school day," Sendejas said. "I take pride in being part of their daily routine and helping make sure they get to their destinations safely."
Each morning, her work begins with a safety inspection before she heads out for student pickups. From checking her bus before and after routes to monitoring traffic conditions and ensuring students board and exit safely, Sendejas understands the importance of remaining alert and prepared.
Her commitment to safety was recently reinforced when a motorist failed to stop for her bus while its warning lights and stop sign were activated. The vehicle struck the extended stop sign and continued driving without pulling over. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following traffic laws and exercising caution around school buses. Sendejas encourages motorists to slow down, remain patient, and stay alert, particularly during busy morning and afternoon commutes. She emphasized that taking a few extra moments to stop and watch for students can help prevent serious accidents.
As Baldwin Park Unified recognizes School Bus Safety Week, Sendejas hopes to remind the community that school bus safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, students and families.
"To me, school bus safety is more than following rules," she said. "It's about protecting children, building trust with families, and making sure every student arrives safely, every single day."
For Sendejas, what began as a new career opportunity has become a rewarding role supporting the students and families of Baldwin Park Unified.
Baldwin Park Unified recognizes Sendejas and the Transportation Department staff for their continued dedication to student safety.