For the past 30 years, Ms. O’Brien, working as a guidance counselor at Hingham High School, has been directing students through their high school careers, helping them balance their busy lives of school, sports, music, art, and much more. Now, as the 2025-2026 school year comes close to an end, Ms. O’Brien will say goodbye to her students at HHS as she heads toward retirement.
Straight out of college, Ms. O’Brien came to Hingham High School for her student teaching experience. She remained at HHS when she became a formal teacher, and for the first seven years of her career, she was a business teacher. Although she enjoyed this position, she said, “I found myself fostering positive relationships with most of my students outside of the subject being taught.” After her seventh-year teaching, she chose to switch her career to being a high school guidance counselor.
When asked what each day looks like, she stated, “No day is ever the same, but I have always loved my job – all parts – the good – the bad – and sometimes the ugly.” This is one of the qualities that the students at Hingham High School notice the most about Ms. O’Brien.
Senior Emma Izmirlic commented, “Ms. O’Brien has had my back since freshman year and never fails to greet me with a smile. Whatever kind of stress I was going through, she would always be there with open arms, and I am forever grateful for that.”
Although being a guidance counselor can be a difficult job, Ms. O’Brien has always gone into each situation with great consideration and thoughtfulness. She never stepped back from a challenge and always tried her best to give the best advice. Sophomore Ava Halsing stated, “She offers her best advice personalized to you. When I missed a ton of school from a concussion, she communicated with all my teachers and helped ease my way back into school.”
Ms. O’Brien also mentioned that her favorite part of being a guidance counselor is “getting to know my students and their families and time spent with my colleagues.” Ms. O’Brien forms sincere connections with her students, truly understanding their interests and feelings. Getting to know each student personally has helped her pensively inform her students on their best possible paths through school and other problems. This makes each kid feel welcome and open to talking with her.
Sophomore Kimya Howell said, “Although I only knew her for two years, I was instantly comfortable around her. She gave me very helpful suggestions about how to manage my schedule, especially with balancing classes with my sports outside of school.”
In her 30 years of guidance counseling experience, Ms. O’Brien has made it a point to repeat a message to all her students. This message is to, “Be happy, stay safe and make good choices.” Ms. O’Brien wants her students to spend their high school years doing what they love, and that does not just have to include sports and grades. She encourages her students to hang out with friends, try new activities, and expand themselves to experience all that is offered to them. She revealed, “I have compassion for others and truly care about how my students are doing – what their days look like, and they are as happy as they can be.”
When asked what impact she hoped to leave on HHS, she noted, “I don’t think I am leaving one, but I guess I hope I am missed.” Ms. O’Brien will be more than just missed. By being herself, she has significantly impacted the lives of many students who have connected with her.
Sophomore Ava Kelly stated, “Ms. O’Brien has been such a positive constant that I’ve had in my HHS career. She is always there to talk and has made my high school experience so much more memorable. I am extremely sad that she is leaving and won’t be able to stay throughout my entire high school experience.”
Hingham High School wishes her luck in retirement and hopes she will come back to visit!
