From exploring international counseling in Bahrain to guiding students in Virginia, Mary Ann Torrico joins Trinity Prep’s college counseling team with over 13 years of experience and a global perspective.
Although Torrico did not immediately pursue college counseling as a career path, her love for supporting and guiding others has existed for decades.
“I enjoyed helping people,” Torrico said. “I enjoyed exploring different places, so it was a thought in high school, but it wasn’t something I was set on until I learned more about it and more about different pathways through college.”
Torrico brought this passion abroad. Spending two years in Bahrain, Torrico embodied a courageous mindset that she hopes her students will embrace.
“I tried to model the idea of going and stretching outside of your comfort zone,” Torrico said. “I did sign a two-year contract and had never been there before, and wanted to experience international counseling and a different curriculum.”
Now in Winter Park, Torrico is excited to embark on a new adventure and explore her new home with her family. From enjoying Florida’s classic theme parks to venturing through the unique wilderness and wildlife, her two daughters are particularly looking forward to one unexpected detail: seeing lizards.
“I look forward to my girls and my family exploring Florida, including the nature aspect of Florida and the family-centered attractions that are offered in Florida,” Torrico said.
At Trinity, Torrico looks forward to the long-term impact she will have on the school community.
“I just look forward to establishing myself more here, getting to know my juniors and getting to the classroom experience that we’ll have with helping you prepare for college applications,” Torrico said. “All of that is really exciting to me.”
Torrico’s mentorship assures students that she will support them with the seemingly daunting process of getting into college from beginning to end.
“It’s really important to me that my students know not only am I going to be with them at the top of the process and wanting to know what their aspirations are, but also at the end of the process so that we can have those conversations,” Torrico said.
A bookend approach allows Torrico to build meaningful relationships with her students. Each student’s unique journey reveals what Torrico finds most fulfilling about her role.
“There’s a very personal aspect to it,” Torrico said. “You get to really know the student, and it opens up a much deeper level of the student’s values and I love that aspect of the work.”
