An Interview with our Counselors

Tim Callahan, Staff Writer

February 11, 2024

Image Via: Oratory Prep

An Interview with Mrs. Competelli

What made you decide to pursue a career in school counseling?

I entered college as an English/Secondary Education major but had a strong interest in Psychology. I eventually switched my major to Psychology and felt School Counseling was the best fit for me. I like working with high school students because this is such a vital time for identity development and growth. This is also just a fun age group! I also wanted a career that balanced working with people and working independently so School Counseling made the most sense. I’ve been fortunate to work at high schools and have opportunities where I gained an immense amount of knowledge about the college process. I love working with students through their individualized process and seeing where they end up after graduation!

2. Tell us what an average day for you looks like.

Lots of meetings and emails. It varies depending on the time of the year. Fall is predominantly working with seniors, preparing high school documents to send to colleges, writing recommendation letters, meeting with admissions reps, etc. I’ll start working with juniors around December and this will go through most of the spring semester. Depending on the time of year I’m planning different events, attending webinars about updates to the college process, and other various tasks. I started teaching the College Research class in Q2.

3. What is the most rewarding part about being a school counselor at OP?

Working with students. This is probably a pretty common answer among school counselors in general but you guys are truly amazing and make this feel less like a “job.”

4. Is there anything about school counseling we should know about?

There are incredible opportunities working as a school counselor and being in a high school setting. I’ve traveled to Spain chaperoning a trip, participated in numerous service opportunities and met people from different walks of life, visited numerous colleges and explored surrounding areas, learned how to work a lightboard, soundboard, and spotlight, and so much more. I never anticipated having these opportunities and learning as much as I have since starting in this field. I had many humbling moments interacting with students and other individuals and value all these experiences.

An interview with Mrs. Zirkel

1. What made you decide to pursue a career in school counseling?

In college I realized that I wanted to pursue counseling. Then, while obtaining my master’s degree I gravitated towards school counseling. I enjoy working with students on a daily basis and assisting them reach their goals and have a successful year. Students go through middle school and high school together, yet their experiences are different. Those experiences are filled with “peaks” and “valleys.” As a school counselor I get to help each student navigate their journey towards their future.

2. Tell us what an average day for you looks like.

Each day is a little different, but will consist of meeting with students, parents, teachers, and administration to ensure that our students have a great year.

3. What is the most rewarding part about being a school counselor at OP?

Getting to know the amazing students at Oratory and having the support of the best guidance team.

4. What is the most interesting part about being a school counselor at OP?

Well, this is my first year at OP, so everything is new to me. So, the most interesting part about being a school counselor at Oratory is experiencing Oratory.

An interview with Mrs. Krause:

1. What made you decide to pursue a career in school counseling?

In middle school, I became aware of school counselors for the first time. They came to our homerooms to talk to us about stuff, hosted lunch groups to play games with friends, and you could always see them if you needed something. They seemed like really nice people as well, and that impressed me; since I had some teachers who were kinda mean and grumpy and the counselors seemed totally opposite than that! When I was in high school, my counselor Mrs. Roarty further inspired me to pursue the career by encouraging me to study psychology. She instilled the belief in me that I could actually pursue this career path.

2. Tell us what an average day for you looks like.

I spend a lot of time monitoring student academic progress on MyOPS, meeting with students, talking to teachers and parents, keeping up with educational psychology topics, teaching my 8th grade class Personal Wellness this quarter, and planning ideas for school counseling initiatives.

3. What is the most rewarding part about being a school counselor?

The most rewarding part is when students randomly stop by to ask a question or tell me a story because they know I can help with something or simply be a good listener when they have a problem to discuss. Another rewarding part is when they come by and tell you that you gave them advice that was helpful. I also like to see the personal growth and maturity exhibited by older students after knowing some of them when they were younger!!

4. What is the most interesting part about being a school counselor at OP?

I’d say working with all boys is an interesting part of being at OP, I am constantly laughing at funny jokes and the comedic efforts of our student body. Finally, one of the best parts for me is the appreciation I have for my fellow school counselors and having a good team around me.

A huge thanks to Mrs. Competelli, Mrs. Zirkel, and Mrs. Krause for their help in putting this article together. All of OP thanks them for their commitment to bettering our OP experience!

About the Contributor

Tim Callahan, Co-editor

Hey, I'm Tim Callahan -- but I'm often referred to as Timmy C. I'm a member of the Class of 2025 and, aside from the Omega, I am a member of the Varsity Cross Country, Swim and Track teams here at OP. I enjoy writing about sports, including both Oratory and College Athletics. Hope you enjoy my content...Go Rams, Go Friars.