The colorful tablecloths and balloons surrounding the smiling faces of the representatives created a warm and inviting atmosphere for learning about all the support systems that are readily available to NECC students.
“We connect students to all kinds of resources; social and academic,” said Deb Lavalle, a staff member representing the Student Success Center. “Even if someone needs help with their homework, that’s what we’re here for.”
Promoting the new Starfish Early Success program, the Student Success Center offered a free raffle and contest for naming the program’s mascot, a blue starfish. The winner of the contest will be announced in October and will receive a gift basket of which Lavalle said the contents are “still growing.”
Among the more than thirty booths at the fair were representatives from the PACE program, Alpha Beta Gamma, Veterans Services, Bacon Boardgamers, Dance Club, and the Counseling Center, just to name a few.
The Gay-Straight Alliance, represented by NECC student Gianna Derrico, was pleased to extend an invitation to all who wish to support LGBTQ+ students. “We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable,” said Derrico.
Andrea Spinelli, staff member of the Learning Accommodations Center, said, “I love doing these events, I’m always the first one to sign up.”
Spinelli enjoys assisting students with documented, diagnosed disabilities by connecting them with many different types of services. Anything from accessible furniture to peer note taking can be arranged for qualified students. “If you’re in the class already, why not earn some extra money by taking notes for a classmate?” said Spinelli. “You can get paid up to $125 per semester.”
Administrative Assistant Maria Hom was joined by co-representatives Joe Torres and Rob Wormald for the Wellness and Fitness Center, which includes a full gym with everything from free weights to treadmills and more. “Come utilize our facilities,” said Wormald. “We have a lot of attendance incentives, like free sweatshirts.”
Hom adds “It’s free to all students, all you need is your student ID.”
Those who attended the fair received lots of free gifts, such as pens and buttons, but it was the Italian slush provided by Biggart’s Ice Cream of Haverhill that left quite an impression on Hom. “It’s delicious!”
