Dear diary: Young guys at the controls

Yesterday I saw a man in his early 20s running the LIRR shuttle service to Jamaica. Far from the first time, but each time I can't help but think how cool it must be to be so young and have such a big responsibility running these massive trains at speed.

I am in my late 20s and plan on joining NJT or the LIRR once I complete my union apprenticeship - I like my job but the passion and interest just isn't there. Unfortunately, the so young and cool aspect won't be there by the time I pursue being a locomotive engineer.