WHO: Christopher M. Lall, 60, of 11293 Route 11, Adams Center, worked as a bus driver for the South Jefferson Central School District for 24 years and retired at the end of this school year.

Mr. Lall is originally from Rajnandgaon, India, which is about 300 miles east of Mumbai. He arrived in the United States in 1973 to attend Houghton College and study liberal arts. He attended Jefferson Community College in 1974 and 1975 and completed several Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services programs on auto mechanics, engine repair and driver management.

He moved around the country from 1976 until 1981, living in Los Angeles, Calif., Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Fort Benning, Ga.

Mr. Lall worked full-time for the school district as a bus driver and particularly enjoyed transporting sports teams to and from games.

Mr. Lall and his wife, Carol S., recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have four adult children.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU COME TO THE U.S.? "I came Sept. 4, 1973, and was hosted by Calvin and Barbara Whitmore in Adams Center. They became my legal guardians so I could go to Houghton College and study.

"I had problems with my visa at first. I arrived in Mumbai on Aug. 24, and they denied my visa. My sister and I prayed over the holy weekend, and I went to the office and got my visa on Aug. 29. But I didn't get my citizenship until 1985, after I was married."

WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT NORTHERN NEW YORK WHEN YOU FIRST MOVED HERE? "October 1973 was the first time I saw snow in my life. And that was amazing to me — amazing that something so beautiful could be on this world."

HOW DID YOU BECOME A BUS DRIVER? "My wife told me to go take the training at General Brown, so I did. I came and talked with Mr. Ken Hough at South Jefferson Central School and he gave me the job. I took the road test the next day and I did very well with the standard-shift bus. This was in 1984. I have been a full-time driver ever since.

"Mostly, I love to drive. If I have another opportunity with another school district after this, I would take it. If they give me the chance I will work more and do the best job. If somebody hires me, I want to do my best."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS? "There are a few. Seeing the snow coming down and the deer crossing the road while I am driving. Driving the bus in the snow — I just like it.

"I like knowing the cars and the people who are driving and passing me on the road. Because I know what they will do and how they will react to the bus.

"I liked being a full-time driver because that means I get a new bus every year. I liked driving the sports teams — especially the soccer team. I would watch them play and then discuss with them what they did wrong and try to give them advice.

"That is, if they listen."

If you have a recommendation for a Q&A subject from northern Jefferson County or Fort Drum, contact staff writer Sarah Rivette at srivette@wdt.net or 661-2371.