Daily Archives: October 28, 2020

Opinion

Are we aware that COVID-19 cases are increasing in Massachusetts?

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This morning I read an article in the Boston Globe saying that “Over the past week, there have been an average of 656 cases per day, an increase of 8 percent from the average two weeks earlier. As of Sunday morning, there have been at least 142,900 cases and 9,723 deaths in Massachusetts since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a New York Times database.”

A few questions pop up in my mind. Why are the cases increasing? Is it because the public has not become fully aware of the dangers?  Do we need more education? And most important, How are we contributing to reduce these statistics?

Then I remembered, at the beginning of the school term, one of my sons asked me if he could go to high school with his classmates. My answer was the same as my psychology teacher, Dr. Sivright, told us in class a few months ago:  “I think this is going to stay here for a long time, perhaps more than twice the time we think this is going to last.”

My son told me in an upset tone, “but, we are young, healthy and we will take all the pertinent measures.”  And my answer was, yes you are.  However, your mother and I are not, and one of the problems is the extremely high rate of contagion this disease presents.

Throughout this time, we have learned through different media all the precautions that we must follow: Wear a mask, socially distance for greater than six feet and the use of hand sanitizer. However, I have seen many people partying on boats, having barbecues on weekends and also playing basketball in the parks. I have also seen people removing their masks and putting them in their pants pocket, their back bag or placing them in dirty places such as tables at bank’s lobbies or over car’s hoods and then putting them back on their face.  I have also seen people taking off the mask to sneeze and people touching their eyes, nose and eating candy without washing their hands.

But what is happening on the side of the government, policy makers, and scientists?

An article by Propublica Newsletter, “Inside the Fall of the CDC” by James Baddler, describes the chronological failures, bad decisions, and procedures that CDC and other government offices have experienced while handling the Covid-19 pandemic. They argue that the ignorance over handling the situation by some authorities, as well as the political and economic pressure generated by strong industries, such as airlines, cruise ships, hotels and tourism in general have contributed to the spread of the virus all over the country.  Moreover, the biggest problem is that Covid-19 is being used as a political tool by both major parties, which in one way or another contributes to generate false confidence in the public.

Regarding what is happening in the government, the question remains:  What are we the people doing to reduce this? What should we do to acquire conscience and increase our precautionary measures?

Dr. Maribel Woodward M.D. a Delaware physician explains that there are different definitions for conscience.  She said consciousness as a totality is composed of various states: attention, perception, and memory. It is the ability to selectively choose our mental experience and attitude. Attention selects something, and then perception identifies it subjectively according to our beliefs housed in our memory.

In this case, consciousness allows us to perceive what is happening around us (a disease), then to identify the options we have in order to increase our chances of survival (go to party or stay home) and then, based on our belief and knowledge, to choose the alternative that increases our chances of survival.  Normally, people increase their consciousness level after experiencing a disease or a near death experience.

On the other hand, social conscience is difficult to achieve in this situation mostly because the topic is new and not well studied, and the communication that has been sent to the public has been erratic, inconclusive, and even distorted by the political influence that manipulates, discredits and devalues scientific effort.

Consequently, it has a low credibility among the collective, thus preventing the development of a solid social conscience.

As an example, she referred to the AIDS situation, where science has been working for more than 30 years and it has been quite recently when social conscience begins to be created (use of condoms, single partners etc).  It has taken a lot of time and consistency to create credibility resulting in collective conscience.  She concludes saying that it will take a good time to acquire a collective awareness of Covid-19.

In the meantime, let’s follow the CDC rules. It is the best we have so far.

In conclusion, it will be difficult to achieve collective awareness with an environment filled with uncertain information. However, individually we can implement all the safety measures we have been told for the last months.

We should not wait to get infected and then transmit the disease to our closest family member to acquire conscience in preventing the spread of the disease, particularly now, when Black Friday is right around the next corner.

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Exploratory program helps students explore their options

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From an early age, school is mandatory for everyone to improve their knowledge over time, first comes elementary school, then middle school, and finally high school.

This is a time period where kids become more educated and spend their time rejuvenating an dnot having as much pressure on their shoulders to make decisions.

After high school, comes college, and this is when teenagers have to start thinking about their future and what they want to do with their lives.

Most teenagers, once graduating high school, have no idea what they want to do with their life.

Some take gap years to think, some don’t even go to college, but for those who do, they may enter into the “exploratory program.”

The exploratory program is a program for undecided students in college.

Lorena Constant, an Academic Success and Career Coach at NECC, is familiar with discussing with students aboutthe importance of their future and helps students make decisions.

“Exploratory program is for students who are not sure what they want to do,” says Constant. “Through career exploration you will receive guidance on choosing a major or navigate differentcareers under one field.

“What we do is we provide career assessment tools – we provide surveys that take less than a minute to complete, and they are based on the questions you ask the career educationenvironment prior to the survey. Based on your results, we recommend you on what to major in. This process is for mostly just figuring out what classes you’re interested in.”

Students who are entering their first college year tend to struggle with classes and what they want to do for the future, and with this survey, it helps a lot of first year students at NECC to make an easier decision on what path to take.

“I am also an Academic Success Coach” continues Constant, “An Academic Coach helps students with anything with classes, as well as help brainstorm for assignments, get ready for courses, management, and help support for classes.”

Academic Coaches are one of the first people students at NECC get in contact throughout every registration, and with guidance from advisers like Constant, students don’t feel as much pressure with decision making and settle in much easier from a different environment than what they arenormally used to.

“We mostly reach out to students in exploratory because we know it can feel overwhelming,” said Constant. “We want to make sure you feel supported and make sure you have an idea on what you’re interested in.”

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Students weigh in on learning in today’s world

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The pandemic has brought upon us some new regimes, and the effects on school learning and how students’ classes are done is one of the biggest ones

With the whole “social distancing” that has been implemented in our lives to stop the spread of the pandemic, there have been many different ways schools have implemented their classes and how they teach.

There have been different types of virtual learning, some requiring zoom classes while others not requiring any zoom meets at all,  and some who still have in-person classes being held. The different types of learning have brought some mixed reviews from different students

John Kaidbey, an NECC student, has had no zoom meetings at all and all work has been done virtually with modules. “It’s been a lot more convenient doing classes this way,” Kaidbey said. “ I don’t have to wake up early for zoom classes or attend any, and I can pace myself each week with my work. I wouldn’t mind doing this again next semester.”

NECC is one of the few that have done virtual learning with no zoom classes. And while it’s different, you can see why students like Kaidbey would prefer to learn this way with no meetings and work you can do at your own pace.

But there are other schools that do not do the same.

Dan Berberian, a Umass Lowell student, has had to do virtual meetings and zoom classes, which he’s had a disliking for. “Having to sit in your house doing multiple virtual classes for multiple classes has not been enjoyable. It’s put me and others to sleep,” Berberian said. “The teachers also look uninspired doing it, and a couple students just skip.”

“Tests are also weird as well. Doing them with the camera on and the teacher just sitting there watching you, I don’t think anyone likes that,” he said.

Berberian also mentioned that he’d prefer to do classes in person or doing school with no zoom classes and assignments online, the same method that Kaidbey has been taking.

While many are doing virtual learning, there are also some who are doing in-person classes, even with the pandemic.

Sam Yanowitz, an Andover High School senior, has been one who’s had to do these in-person classes.

“Though we’re in person, it’s certainly been a change from my first three years,” Yanowitz said. “The school is  separated into two cohorts as they call it, so we don’t go to school everyday. And at school many classes are held outside as well as inside as a way to distance, which is also something new.”

Yanowitz also mentions  that many students do wear masks at the school. He’s also not sure how outside classes will go when it becomes extremely cold.

“This is Massachusetts, not Florida, no one is going to want to do school outside when it’s freezing cold.”

Many high schools have had to adjust to new ways to do in-person classes, along with some colleges as well.

The many types of learning during the pandemic have brought some mixed reviews, and it’s been an odd time for everyone.

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Pandemic impacting mental and physical health

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It is no surprise that many people find the COVID-19 pandemic stressful both physically and mentally. The actions that we take to protect ourselves and others from the COVID virus, such as social distancing and stay-at-home orders can make you feel isolated, anxious, and scared.

Ian Shea, a student at NECC said, “The pandemic has been a challenge on all fronts. I had to cancel my gym membership because I wasn’t sure when they would reopen and if they’d be safe once they did open back up. I haven’t been as physically active as I was before this started.”

On his mental health and coping with the feelings of isolation and anxiety, he stated, “dealing with the pandemic has been very lonely. I don’t want to risk exposing my family or my friends so I’ve really limited how much I see people in person. No birthday parties or summer cookouts or anything. When I do see people, I try to keep it outdoors at a safe distance. I’ve known people who have died from COVID so it’s made me, I would say overly cautious. I don’t want to risk contracting the virus and I don’t want to unknowingly give it to anyone else. I think what’s been keeping me feel sane and not slip into depression is trying to constantly keep busy. Whether it’s work or school assignments or just binging TV shows and movies, I try to keep myself occupied so I don’t sit around worrying all the time.

“And even though I haven’t been able to see people in person as much as I normally would, I’ve been making an effort to connect through phone, text, and FaceTime. A couple weeks ago, I visited a friend I hadn’t seen in months. We stood in his driveway on opposite sides of the car and just talked, catching up.”

Even though everyone in the U.S is currently dealing with the pandemic and its effects, many people, including front line healthcare workers and mental health experts have put other’s needs above their own.

Gabriel Garcia, a Multi-Cultural Mental Health Clinician who works for the NECC Counseling Service said, “Students have shared with me how challenging the last several months have been, but also how they have continued to be successful through this hardship. Although this pandemic has isolated many of us, students have worked together with faculty and staff to create safe online classrooms/programs to grow. For example, creating study spaces in their homes, using the school’s online resources, and participating in online clubs. It has been very inspiring that even when facing new and challenging obstacles, students continue to adapt and prosper. One quote comes to mind and I hope it does not minimize the daily challenges that we are all facing. “Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities, views about life.” – Carl Rogers, Ph.D.”

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Social-distancing and lockdown affecting students’ sleep habits

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Online students get more screen time and have a more flexible schedule, but this may be affecting the sleeping habits of students.

An Italian study published May 15 in the  Journal of Sleep Research found that,  “…during home confinement, sleep timing markedly changed, with people going to bed and waking up later, and spending more time in bed, but, paradoxically, also reporting a lower sleep quality.”

With more time at home people find it harder to sleep even though there is ample opportunity for rest.

Four NECC students detail their issues with sleep since the beginning of social distancing and isolation protocols brought on by the spread of the novel coronavirus which began with the first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in China in late 2019.

Violette Smith, 16, of Groveland is in the early college program.

“My sleep schedule was consistent. But since lockdown it’s been harder to stick to it,” Smith says “…days are less structured than they were before.”

Smith explains her sleeping habits during the pandemic, “I’ve been sleeping in. I’ve also been staying up later to get work done. I don’t have a consistent sleep schedule at all.”

Smith says she has been getting less sleep of poorer quality, “ I do think I’m getting less sleep because of this…and I always feel super tired…Even when I get a good number of hours in,”

Mariam Saldivar, 20, of Lawrence says she doesn’t wake up feeling recharged and her sleep schedule is disordered, as well as her body and mental state.

Saldivar says, “The days just kinds seem to blur together now.”

Saldivar says she is not going out to socialize or for work and spending most of her time at home means she doesn’t “…necessarily have to wake up early for anything.”  She attributes the reason for sleep disturbance to having too much time on her hands.

Mirrorajah Metcalfe, 19, of Haverhill says her sleep habits have changed because of isolation. “My sleep schedule has been very unpredictable and all over the place since covid. Some days I get more sleep and others, less.”

She also says she wakes up feeling “sluggish” some days and “motivated” on others. Metcalfe says she doesn’t “…go out very much aside from work.”

Nisaly Gonzalez, 22, of North Andover says she has been sleeping more since the start of the pandemic and has been “…feeling tired during the day…”

Gonzalez also says that she has been waking up during sleep and finds it “…much harder to go back to sleep” when she wakes up.

Students are experiencing sleep disruptions which they say are caused by the isolated conditions brought on by the pandemic. Students unable to get enough sleep or not getting restful sleep shows that lockdown conditions have had varied effects on public health, mental and physical.

Students already face an increased amount of stress and anxiety due to the pressures of school and it is well known that sleep is a vital factor to maintain mental and physical health.

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Students connect with virtual debate watch party

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On October 22nd the final presidential debate took place. Students gathered and watched on, connecting through the tool called Zoom, that has aided us through the pandemic.

The event was hosted by Professors Stephen Slaner and Stephen Russell, with the help of Coordinator of Student Activities, Stephanie Haskell and the Coordinator of Civic Engagement, Janel D’Agata-Lynch.

Before and after the event, students and faculty were given a chance to speak about their expectations and reactions. All throughout the debate, the students used to chat as well.

D’Agata-Lynch shares what it was like for students to connect in terms of such events before the pandemic.

“In the past during election years we often watched these debates after the fact  We streamed them on campus maybe the next day, and had a discussion about it,” she said via Zoom.

Due to the pandemic, the format of such events has had to be rethought in order to follow social distancing guidelines.  However she did express that it was exciting to watch the debate all together, considering that people could react as they watched together.

Students seem to agree.

Kim Louge from Lowell, 48, majoring in Human Services at NECC shares their response via email to the online format. “This is my first year at NECC and since we are dealing with the pandemic, I am extremely grateful that we are able to have events like this online,” Louge said. They go on to say that through events like this they can interact with other students.

Andrew Venditti, 21, majoring in Journalism and Communications at NECC says, “I still got some much-needed intellectual stimulation from classmates and professors even though the event was online.”

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Time management: How creatives are coping with COVID-19

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Since Covid-19, young artists have dealt with managing their time evenly and balancing out their work life while staying inspired and driven to continue working on their personal craft.

Young artists have struggled to maintain focus and find inspiration as they deal with the repercussions of the pandemic. Virtual courses have also interfered with their ability to create content.

Students at NECC have shared their artistic processes and the effects that COVID-19 has had on them.

Art & Design major Susan Elias shares that since the pandemic she has had little to no time to work on her personal craft outside of immediate course assignments. Virtual courses have also hindered Elias from dedicating time to her hobby.

She states, “When it comes to schoolwork, I do mostly design work because that’s what I work on. As for, personally driven work, I really haven’t had the time for that at all.”

In terms of balance, Elias has found a way to incorporate her personal artistic endeavors within her lifestyle. She says, “I’ve had like a couple freelance jobs outside of school. It’s client work, but still creative.

Despite the inability to dedicate time into her artistry, she has not lost motivation or inspiration.

“If I can’t fit it into my schedule, I’ll avoid it until I have more time. Any free time that I currently have is to relax or catch up with work,” she says.

However, Elias finds some positivity amongst the difficulties stating, “I think I’ve been kind of benefiting from being home, I think I like it better,” she says.

NECC student Mirrorajah Metcalfe is a Journalism major. In her free time, she likes to create personal videos.

“Eventually I want to make a movie/short film. Corona definitely affected it. I have less people to work with,” she says.

For Metcalfe finding the time and motivation is a lot more difficult because of the change in environment.

“I think it’s a lot easier to stick with your craft if your environment is full of things to have to do with your craft. It has both its positives and negatives as well. It’s positive because I’ve had more time to be alone and focus on things, but negative because I have less people to reach out to. I rely heavily on people and my interactions with them. Since I have no people around me, I have less stimulation, thus less inspiration,” she said.

 

 

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Our civic duty: An overview of the 2020 election

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The long awaited election of 2020 is finally upon us. This election is high stakes, and many substantial changes could result from it. While the official Election Day is on Nov. 3, due to the pandemic there has been an influx of mail-in voting and early voting at the polls. With many important concepts on the ballot this election, many people have been trying to get their vote in as soon as possible. President Donald Trump is running for the second time, but former Vice President Biden, his Democratic challenger, has been topping the polls. Despite the consequentiality of this election, there are still Americans who are unsure if they should vote.

But others see this as an extremely important moment. Nancy Montello, Erik Terrio, and Stephen Russell all agree that voting is necessary in order to move forward and come together as a country.

Nancy Montello, 70, from West Newbury, can’t remember the first election she voted in. But she does know that she has been voting diligently since she turned 18. This upcoming election is a bit scary for her, however.

“I’m scared,” she admits. “I’ve heard a lot about issues with voting. People are worried to vote, or just don’t want to.”

Montello is also worried about acts of voter suppression that have been occurring. She said she doesn’t like that the media perpetuates a toxic view of mail-in voting.

“I went into the polls for early voting, because I like the experience. But I know plenty of others who have used mail-in ballots as well,” she said.

Montello said that early voting would be a good option for those who do not want to mail-in their ballot, but are worried about going to the polls on Election Day. There are plenty of polling places that are already open and ready for voters. She went to the West Newbury Town Hall to cast her ballot.

“Everything was spaced out for social distancing. It only took a few minutes.” Montello recalls. “I’ll miss the normal experience of going to the polls, but obviously it’s important to stay safe during this time.”

Montello also has a message for younger voters. She knows many are on the fence about voting, but she wants them to know that it is important for them to take part. They are the next generation, and the outcome of this election will be shaping their future.

“It’s our civic duty to vote,” Montello said. “People have been fighting for the right to vote for such a long time. It’s definitely a right worth exercising.”

Erik Terrio, an NECC student from Haverhill, also believes that voting in this election is crucial. He’s been doing his best to stay up to date with all that is going on, and he’s hoping that people are doing their best to actually cast their vote. He himself has already voted, in both the presidential election, and the state government elections, and he opted for the mail-in ballot.

“I registered to vote in 2014 when I turned 18, and I voted for the first time in the 2014 gubernatorial,” Terrio recalls. “I think it’s very important for people to vote, especially students, and even more so, all young people.”

Terrio feels that the younger people are when they get involved in political discourse, the more likely it is that they will stay engaged in politics when they are an adult. He also thinks that it’s specifically important for students to vote, as so many things surrounding education can be affected by the outcome of the election.

“If you are on the fence about voting, remember it is one of the best tools we have as citizens to create a government that acts within the public’s better interest,” Terrio said. “The more people we have vote, the more likely it is that we have government officials who act within the public’s best interest.”

Stephen Russell, a professor at NECC is worried that people do not understand the consequences that could result from this election. He is especially worried about the potential outcome. His main concern is that the outcome of this election could be detrimental to things like racial justice, and our country’s democracy.

He himself has made sure to cast his ballot early, and he, like Erik Terrio, chose mail-in. Russell, like Terrio, and Montello, believes that it is extremely important for students, and everyone else to vote.

“For someone who is on the fence about voting, I guess I would have to ask why that person has doubts about voting.” Russell said.  “I understand that no candidate is perfect, but this time there is a substantial difference between them and a lot is at stake in the U.S. right now.”

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How working students have adapted to online schooling and learned to balance their schedule

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Studies such as one from  the American College Health Association state that 45% of college students feel like they experience “more than average” stress reveals the mindstate that many college students are in now.

Students from all different years in school share advice on how they balance their lives while also highlighting that they too feel occasional waves of stress or uncertainty, which is completely normal for all students who are busy with work and adapting to a new way of learning.

Litzie Alvarez, a freshman at Northern Essex Community College, works as a medical assistant at a chiropractor’s office and as a PCA for a boy with Down Syndrome. Her take on her online schooling is that it gives her more flexibility: “My schedule is really hectic, so when it comes to online classes, I’m allowed to push school aside when I’m doing things such as work while also allowing me to find an allotted time for me to sit down and give my all to school.”

According to an NYU study, 53% of students report having felt so stressed they didn’t want to hang out with friends on one or more occasions.

Keila Santana, a junior at Umass Lowell and a Universal Banker at Align Credit Union, added a point that greatly complemented Litzie’s statement as well as revealing how she balances her personal time with her work and school schedule:

“I have done a class online before the mandatory online schooling that has happened due to coronavirus, but it couldn’t have prepared me for having all of my classes online,” she said. “One way that I was able to adapt was when I realized that online school makes my school work more portable, so I can do my work anywhere. I take my laptop to my job, my parent’s home, or my boyfriend’s home, and that way I can tend to my school work and do my leisurely activities. I try to multitask whenever I can.”

Interestingly, all three students that were interviewed confirmed that they use a planner to organize their due dates. Both Alvarez and Santana said they find that using paper planners have helped them because they get to color-code their important assignments.

Kyara Cruz, a senior at Greater Lawrence Technical School within a Work-Study program, also has begun using a paperback planner, however, she gave advice to anyone who doesn’t want to buy a planner or someone who benefits from a digital approach:

“I have also used Google Calendar in the past as well as using the Notes App on my phone to create weekly to-do lists to keep up on my assignments and tasks from school,” she said.  “I find that both have helped me greatly. I think that the most important thing when it comes to creating a planner for yourself is to keep up with the work that you have and personalizing it so it fits you best. If you don’t like doing paperback planners, try planning on your phone and vise versa. Find what works for you.”

The top three things that each student mentioned when advising anyone who is struggling to balance their schedule were to organize themselves, prioritize their work, and take advantage of the time that they have.

Alvarez also added a more personal piece of advice to her peers: “Every student gets stressed at least once within their academic career, but it’s important to not let things overwhelm you and keep you stressed. Take a deep breath, write a list, and take it one step at a time.

 

 

 

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NECC students get out (or mail in) the vote

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With Election Day near, voting is especially critical. If you’ve already voted, whether you mailed it in or went to the polls, you’re good to go. But, if you haven’t it should be your top priority. 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year, what with the global pandemic and our country’s two political parties being more divided than ever. It can be hard to decide how you are going to vote, who you are going to vote for, and when. Some people write off voting completely, but this is not a good idea.

The upcoming election arguably, has very high stakes, no matter which side you support. So far, this election has sparked many different reactions in citizens.

Many peoples’ first words when talking about the election run along the lines of worried or scared.

But, Janel D’Agata-Lynch, the director of Civic Engagement here at NECC, says otherwise.

“Well, I’m excited. You know it’s a really exciting time for people like me who are really into civic engagement and politics,” she said.  “There’s always a lot of information coming your way, you know, leading up to the election.”

She also spoke about the general excitement surrounding the actual day of the election, “I actually really look forward to Election Day and kind of watching what’s happening around the country and seeing results come in. It’s exciting,” she said.

If you’ve been keeping tabs on this Presidential Race, you may have tuned it to the recent debates. There have been three, one for the Vice-Presidential candidates and two for the Presidential candidates, the last of which took place on Thursday, October 22nd.

Some argue that the debates mean nothing, while others swear by them. D’Agata-Lynch sees merit on both sides.

“I think it’s important because the debates give insight to, you know, the candidates that are there. I wouldn’t say it should be the only information you get about the candidates, that’s for sure. Because sometimes, as much as I think the questions adhere to getting to understand more about the candidates positions on topics, their answers don’t always get there,” she said.  “Sometimes I think it actually gives you more insight to the personalities of the candidates than the content that you’re looking for. I think it’s great to learn about the candidates when they are able to put forward what their thoughts and opinions are on the issues at hand, but it also kind of gives you a sense of who they are as a person.”

She doesn’t think the debates should give you all your information though, “Then I also think it’s important to go to their campaign websites and read reliable news sources to learn more about the issues that you care about and where they stand on those issues.”

No matter who you want to cast your vote for, it’s important that you do. Some people are not totally sold on either candidate and therefore choose not to vote. Others just avoid voting all together. This doesn’t really get anything done. D’Agata-Lynch wants students at NECC to know why she personally finds voting so important.

“Well, you know, voting is something that a lot of people in the past fought for our right to have, for women, for people of color,” she said. “People labored to be able to get us this right to vote, to be able to weigh in and help decide how our society will function. So part of it I feel is sort of an obligation, for those who came before us and fought so hard for this and the other piece is I feel like we are very fortunate to live in a society that is a democracy in which our voices can be heard through voting. I want my voice to be heard. I want to weigh in on the issues that are important to me and of course, the Presidential Election is very important, but there’s a lot of other things on the ballot that are also very important this year. Some of which might even affect us more immediately than maybe even the Presidential Election, some of the ballot questions. I want to weigh in on that, I want to be able to put what I think out there. I know my votes may not win, but at least I know I tried to help weigh in on what I think would be best for us.”

Still, many citizens, young people especially, still seem very disinterested or are on the fence about voting. Some may be worried that with the pandemic and the many controversies surrounding this election, their vote may not really count. D’Agata-Lynch voiced her thoughts to these people.

“As far as the votes not counting I know that’s something that people struggle with, but ultimately if you vote the vote will be entered in. It will count on some level. Absolutely, they are going to count your vote.”