By Peter Conway
Staff Writer

Brian Doherty is a new guidance counseler here at Westford Academy this this year. Learn more about Doherty’s past, his favorite aspects of the job, and his inviting personality.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I went to an undergraduate at Southern Connecticut in New Haven and my masters was at Bowling-Green in Ohio.

Q: Did you always plan on being a Guidance Counselor?

A: Not really. When I was an Undergraduate I wanted to do public relations so I minored  in Journalism and majored in Communications to start. Then in the early 1990’s the economy was struggling and it was not easy to get jobs, so I was working in sales. My mom got breast cancer around this time, she is ok now, thank God, but I was twenty around this time and it got me thinking about what was important to me and it just kind of came to me that counseling was a good path.

Q: What excites you most about Westford Academy?

A: The reputation. Its an awesome school I knew coming in here. I worked seven years at the rival Acton-Boxoborough so I had heard of WA. The thing that excites me most is working with great kids, like Acton kids in a way, just down to earth and hardworking. The environment here is great.

Q: What is something you like to do when you are not here at WA?

A: Number one, [being with] my kids for sure. Golfing at Butter Brook. Working out; trying to stay in shape… Listing to music such as Brett Dennen, Jack Johnson, Coldplay. And Hanging out with my family and friends.

Q: What is something that would surprise the students about you?

A: Its more of an anecdote but, I once was bit and picked up by a horse. Never pet a horse when they are eating. I must have been six… So now I have to stay away from horses.

Q: When you were in high school what is some advice you wish you were given?

A: I think I could have been more involved, I played sports, and definitely had a passion for football. When you get involved make sure you get involved with something you have a passion for. So get Involved when you’re a freshman. I would also get to know your guidance counsoler, that’s my favorite part of the job… I wish I could’ve understood the college process a little more too… If I tried a little harder, it would’ve gave me more options.

Q: Do you think you would give the same advice to the students of WA, or is there something else that you would add on to that?

A: I would just say that no matter where you go to school you are still going to be successful, you know, its just passion and finding what you want to do. I balance it out by saying in the college process its just doing the best you can do and letting the chips fall where they may, and obviously you don’t want to be over stressed about it. And there is 0ther parts of the identity that are important too, not just the academics.

Q: Is there anything else you would like the school to know about you?

A: I would just say that I am the type of person that is easy going and laid back. My favorite part of the job is getting to know the students and building relationships. Anything big, small, and in between my door is always open… On the outside I do college coaching too.