Title: Counselor

Company: Osbourn Park

Location: Manasses, Va.

Lillian Orlich has served the education sector for more than six decades, transitioning from teaching to counseling. She has been with Osbourn Park High School for the entirety of her career, assisting a great deal of students throughout the years.

Though technology has greatly changed the way people communicate with one another, Ms. Orlich believes that her greatest strength is conversing with students one-on-one rather than through email or over the phone. “My greatest accomplishment has been watching my students grow, learn and achieve greatness in their lives,” she states. When she requires outside assistance, such as a doctor, lawyer, accountant or landscaper, she finds that her students are the ones who step forward to help her first.

Having always wanted to become a teacher, Ms. Orlich laid the foundation for her prosperous career by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history and English from New York University. She continues to be inspired by her chosen vocation by the unpredictability that each day brings.

As a female professional in the business world, Ms. Orlich attributes her long-lasting success to her encouragement to continue to go further. The advice she offers to the younger generation of women entering the workforce is: “Don’t give up. Set a goal for yourself, and maintain your independence and honesty.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Orlich plans to continue working for Osbourn Park High School until her 66 year. She hopes to be remembered by her students and faculty as someone they knew they could come visit, share stories with and talk to. For more about Ms. Orlich, please visit http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/85-Year-Old-Guidance-Counselor-honored-208397951.html.

Ms. Orlich’s areas of expertise include counseling and teaching history, English and European history.