(June 11, 2010) — Ten years ago, counselor Linda Doll entered the world of Clark Magnet High School and started to build her reputation as the go-to person with the always-open door. However, her counseling experience started years and years before that. From at-risk counseling at Wilson Middle School to her help and guidance in all things college both at Glendale High School and Clark, Doll has influenced many people with her honesty and straightforward approach. “My goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Every human being deserves that,” said Doll. Senior Francesca Valencia didn’t hesitate to open up about her dilemmas to Doll. “I was struggling to choose between Oregon and Colorado for college so I went for some guidance,” Valencia said. “She helped me see not only what I needed but what I really wanted. Her honesty brings the truth out in others.” Whether it was her up-to-date UC or Cal State application instructions or her yearly trips to freshman health classes, Doll dedicated herself to providing students with the knowledge and options to make educated decisions about their futures. She is always quick to promote Cal State colleges. “I want to provide students with options besides GCC,” said Doll. She also prides herself in being the first counselor to bring USC to Clark. “I feel good about that because USC provides students with a lot of opportunities,” she said. Time is the one thing that so few people can offer each other in their busy lives, but many students say that Doll has always been able to make a student feel open and comfortable in her presence. “From long heart to heart conversations to serious school stuff, Ms. Doll is always there,” said senior Tatevik Krkasharian. Even her colleagues feel the dedication put into her work. “She is the foundation of the counseling program and will be greatly missed,” said science teacher Virginia Benzer. But the time came for Doll to move on and start over. “I look at my leaving Clark as an opportunity to utilize my skills and knowledge in a different environment,” said Doll. Although we hate to see her leave because “she is an incredible counselor and could definitely be a great guide for the incoming students,” as senior Lana Mousessian said, Doll says that she is not “done.”