Most pursue a career in a passion or interest. Most want to be in a comfortable environment. Richa Trikha, one of Hillsborough High School’s guidance counselors, is not like most.

Growing up was not easy for Trikha. Moving is difficult at any stage of life, but moving in middle school, leaving friends and teachers behind, is extremely hard. In sixth grade, Trikha and her family moved from Edison to Watchung Hills. Trikha and her older sister, however, were not comfortable in Watchung Hills. The family moved back to Edison so Trikha’s older sister could complete her high school education but ultimately moved back to Watchung Hills after her graduation.

After high school, Trikha earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and communication at Rutgers University in 2013. From there, she earned a Master’s degree in “Counseling in Concentration in Schools” at Montclair State University in the spring of 2016.

In the fall of 2016, Robin Kenny, one of Hillsborough High School’s long-time guidance counselors, announced her retirement. With many years of experience, Kenny left big shoes to fill; Trikha, however, would make the perfect replacement.

In October of 2016, Trikha began her journey as the newest guidance counselor at HHS. Since then, she has earned the respect and trust of hundreds of students, which just happened to be her main for pursuing a counseling career.

“One of the biggest reasons I became a counselor was because I moved around a lot,” Trikha said. “A big part of me hopes to make it [a high school experience] less painful for other students.”

Today, she works with freshmen with last names beginning with “Ren-Sch,” sophomores with “Pia-Scha,” juniors with “Rac-Shy,” and seniors with “Pat-Saw.” With them, she advocates for every student and their needs. This could be writing letters of recommendation, helping them with questions about the school, or even recommending counseling to parents.

Although the position can be extremely demanding, Trikha has found a true passion here at Hillsborough High School.

“I like the interaction with my students,” Trikha said. “Being able to be with the same students from ninth grade to senior year and seeing their growth throughout high school.”