Communications Maintainer Manny Villa Jr. is finding new ways to help share railroad safety messages with communities around the Belt.
Through Operation Lifesaver outreach, including ENS Awareness Day and school presentations, Villa has spoken with people of different ages and backgrounds.
“I’m glad I had a platform to share that valuable information to people,” he said.
Bringing railroad safety to students
Villa recently joined Digital Media Coordinator Joe Chacon for an Operation Lifesaver presentation at Grimes Elementary School for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Chacon led the session while Villa observed, answered questions and became familiar with the presentation.
Still in the shadowing stage, Villa gradually will take on more of the presentation as he gains experience. He particularly enjoys working with students because he can picture himself talking to his own children and their classmates.
The experience at Grimes reinforced a lesson Villa has seen through his outreach: reaching people starts with getting their attention. He remains focused on sharing the message.
“I just try to do what I’m asked to do,” Villa said. “Hopefully, it can make a difference in somebody’s life some way, somehow.”
— Communications Maintainer Manny Villa Jr.
I just try to do what I’m asked to do. Hopefully, it can make a difference in somebody’s life some way, somehow.