Robin Roberts, a beloved anchor on Good Morning America, recently took part in a fun segment alongside her co-hosts, where they all reflected on their very first jobs.
While many fans might have assumed that Roberts’ career started in a newsroom or on a sports field, her actual first job left many viewers surprised.
During the segment, Roberts shared an unexpected detail about her teenage years—she worked as a school bus driver.
Her revelation sparked curiosity and admiration among fans, as it was quite an unusual job for someone still in high school.
Robin Roberts’ Unexpected First Job
In a video posted on social media, Roberts stepped backstage to answer the question about her first-ever job.
With a smile, she shared that she had worked as a school bus driver—an admission that caught many off guard.
“I turned 18 my senior year,” she explained. “The tennis coach said we needed a driver because we were always having to cancel our matches because we didn’t have a driver. So, I was the driver.”
What made this revelation even more surprising was that she wasn’t just driving for the tennis team—she was also a substitute driver when needed. Roberts recalled growing up in a small school district in Mississippi, where resources were limited, and students sometimes had to step up to fill in gaps.
“When a driver called in sick, I would be the substitute bus driver,” she shared. “Can you imagine pulling up, and your classmate sees your face behind the wheel?” she laughed before adding, “Priceless. School bus drivers rule!”
Roberts’ revelation sparked a wave of reactions from fans who were both shocked and impressed by her sense of responsibility at such a young age.
Other ‘GMA’ Hosts Share Their First Jobs
Roberts wasn’t the only GMA host to reflect on their early work experiences. Her co-hosts also shared their first jobs, and while some were fairly common, others were just as unexpected as Roberts’ story.
Michael Strahan, best known for his career as an NFL star before transitioning into television, shared that his first job was mowing lawns. However, his first official job working for someone else was as a dishwasher in Manheim, Germany. Strahan lived there with his family for most of his childhood before moving to Houston for his senior year of high school.
George Stephanopoulos, the veteran political journalist, revealed that his first job was as a golf caddy. Though he didn’t share many details, his early experience likely instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that later helped him succeed in politics and journalism.
Ginger Zee, GMA’s chief meteorologist, had a humble beginning working at a country club. She said her first job was bussing tables at weddings, and she even kept the job after she started her television career because entry-level pay in the industry was so low.
Lara Spencer, another co-host on GMA, said her first job involved shoveling snow as a kid—an experience many can relate to, especially those who grew up in colder climates.
Fans React to Robin Roberts’ Story
Roberts’ story struck a chord with fans, many of whom admired her willingness to take on such a big responsibility at a young age. Social media users flooded the comments section with their thoughts:
“I can’t believe Robin was a school bus driver in high school! That’s amazing. She’s always been a leader.”
“That is such a Robin Roberts thing to do—stepping up when no one else could. Love her even more now.”
“I bet her classmates thought it was hilarious seeing their friend behind the wheel. What a great story!”
Her revelation also highlighted the importance of school bus drivers and the role they play in ensuring students can attend classes and extracurricular activities. Many viewers took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the hardworking individuals who take on this responsibility every day.
Robin Roberts’ Strong Work Ethic from the Start
Roberts’ story serves as yet another reminder of the dedication and work ethic that has defined her career. Before becoming one of the most recognized journalists in the country, she worked hard and took on unexpected challenges—even if it meant driving a school bus before heading to class.
This early job likely played a role in shaping her character, reinforcing values of leadership, responsibility, and service—qualities that have been evident throughout her career.
While her fans may have been surprised by her answer, it’s clear that Roberts has always been someone willing to step up and take on challenges, no matter the circumstances.
What do you think of Robin Roberts’ first job as a school bus driver? Did her story surprise you? Let us know in the comments!
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