New counselor, Christopher O’Brien, recently relocated to Maryland from Virginia. O’Brien is new to the area but already feels a part of the community. Before coming to Linganore, he worked at Woodbridge High School in Lake Ridge, Virginia and Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia.

“Linganore is lucky to have landed Mr. O’Brien. He comes with high school counseling experience and has a passion for helping kids. I would be honored to work with him one day,” said Ilana Blum.  O’Brien is replacing Blum. She transferred to Governor Thomas Johnson High School.

One of the differences between Linganore and his previous schools is the LHS emphasis on balance. He feels there is tremendous pressure on students to achieve at a very high level and go off and do amazing things; however, here there is also a huge emphasis on being involved in extracurricular activities and sports that every teenager should have.

“Linganore seems like a great high school, and I love the fact that it is half the size of what I am used to, so it allows me to connect with students and the staff,” said O’Brien.

These connections can be about college or just social and emotional issues.

“It’s what really brings me in to do my job every day,” he said.  

One of his challenges was getting used to the intricacies of Frederick County Public Schools. For example, he had to learn about the virtual program.  

“I was a little nervous at first about new experiences, but I am very comfortable here,” O’Brien said.

For O’Brien, he did not realize his passion to be a counselor until after college. O’Brien went to the University of Pittsburgh and was studying business.

“For me, even when I was working on my bachelor’s degree in business it never felt like the right fit, but I wanted to just get through and finish.”

“When I finished my bachelors, I ultimately spent most of my twenties trying to figure life out, but I think that has a tremendous impact on what I do today, so I don’t have any regrets now.”

He earned his masters at Trinity Washington University in D.C. When O’Brien went back to school to get his masters, he was also working a full-time job.

“I would like my students to know that I am very passionate about what I do. I have not done this for a very long time. I was a career changer, so I wasn’t a school counselor straight out of college, but I truly feel like I’m in the right field and I enjoy working with students. ”

For O’Brien, the best thing about being a counselor is his own story can help him guide his students. He wants to be there for students, so hopefully they won’t feel as lost.

“It is perfectly okay to continue to explore your interests into your adulthood.” He just wants you going into college or trade with the sense that it is the right fit for you.

O’Brien’s favorite part about the area is the sense of community. There are families that have lived here for generations, but there is also a good mix of new people like himself.

“I feel like no matter who you are, the community sort of wraps their arms around you and welcomes you,” said O’Brien.

He gives all students advice. “The biggest thing would be, be a kid. You’re going to have literally decades to be an adult, so enjoy these teenage years, have fun, play sports, and take classes that allow you to learn different things. It does not necessarily have to be your number one interest but just have fun.”

Karlee Duda, member of the Class of 2021 said, “Mr. O’Brien seems like a great guy and I am glad I have him as my guidance counselor for the next 3 years.”