How has the experience of Northern Essex Community College changed over the years?

Three generations of NECC students reflect on their time at the school and offer alumni tips on how to get the most out of your years in college.

As all students have been made aware of, the 2020 caronavirus swept the educational world off of its feet and resulted in the closing of schools all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom. With the distinctive rise of e-learning, education has changed dramatically for Northern Essex and all schools alike.

Northern Essex Community College has been teaching students since 1961 with many successful graduates along the years. Lissette Alvarez, of the Gen X generation is a Northern Essex Alumni and attended the school from 1996 to 1998 and is currently a Branch Supervisor at Metro Credit Union.

She reflected on her years at Northern Essex and decided, “My favorite part of my years at Northern Essex was the student job that I had at the Haverhill Department.”

She went on and explained how the campus, for her, was not only in a convenient space, but was also a spacious campus for her to enjoy and attend her studies.

The next alumni that spoke to me about her time at Northern Essex was Jamilette Genao, of the Millennial generation who graduated from the school in May of 2018 and is currently a Sr. Specialist, Personal Banker at Santander Bank. She was extremely thoughtful when looking back at her time on The Northern Essex Campus:

“What I liked about Northern Essex was the community. Professors of mine made a big effort for students to be involved with the events taking place on campus and made sure we were aware of all of the resources and tools we had readily available to us as students. Northern Essex has multiple campuses making it convenient for students to get what they need e.g. signing up for classes near home at Common st., Haverhill as my main campus and study spot at the library, testing at Franklin st campus etc. As a student, I always felt like the way the school functioned was catered to the students and them getting their education in a comfortable and stress-free environment.”

According to a study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, it was believed if a student was involved in 10 or more hours of counseling-related extracurricular activities per semester, they would likely be satisfied with their graduate school experience. While the results did not show involved students were dissatisfied with their graduate school experience, the results also did not prove involvement had a positive effect on satisfaction.

As well, according to a 1993 article by Alexander Astin, almost any type of student involvement in college positively affects student learning and development.

Specifically, a student’s peer group is the most important source of influence on a student’s academic and personal development. By identifying with a peer group, that group may influence a student’s affective and cognitive development as well as his or her behavior. So, Jamilette’s academic success and overall satisfaction in her years at Northern Essex had a great amount to do with the involvement she had in the school.

However, the 2020 online schooling brought a different experience to the Gen Z freshman, Manny Baez. He gave a greatly candid reflection on his first semester:

“I understand that this semester is different than how Northern Essex usually runs, so even though it’s not the freshman year I expected, I’m trying to make the best out of it as I know that the staff is as well. If there’s one thing that has really helped me this semester, it’s the guidance of some of the staff members and teachers.”

Amy Bintliff, a developmental psychologist and professor in the University of California, San Diego’s department of education studies, said in an article that mismatch between expectation and reality can be difficult for students. Part of that is because important milestones, like graduation, can’t happen the way they were envisioned. Traditional-age students may struggle uniquely with the loss of certain coming-of-age experiences. She’s noted lowered motivation among college students she’s surveyed, and a sense of alienation.

Alvarez gave a thoughtful piece of advice to all Northern Essex students for better enjoyment in their studies:

“I understand that these are completely different times but still I encourage the students to enjoy their years of college because usually people see their success as a destination but every stage and year in college is important and has something you can highlight as a positive experience. Someone who only sees success as the final destination will never be happy. Enjoy all that the semester involves.”

Jamilette Genao focused on educational and study tips that may help both grades and student mindset:

“Advice I would give to students besides staying organized and on top your assignments is to get out of the house and study in a new, distraction-free space. A coffee shop, a park, Barnes and Noble… For me being in a space dedicated just for my education let me focus and stay on top of all of my responsibilities. It helps with self-discipline. I’d also advise students that theyr’re not alone and to reach out to peers. Even though we can’t meet in person, it always helps to get help, a second opinion or just to talk to someone who can relate to you and is at the same place as you in life.”

When I approached Baez with this advice, he responded with great hope and reflection:

“For me, this semester has been a lot about getting used to the online classes and assignments, but as a goal for next semester, I would like make a relationship with one or more of my peers online.”

Even though remote learning is a difficult adjustment to make, as the Greater Boston school psychologist, Dana B Silverberg, said in an article that contains student psychology tips, “A positive attitude and a flexible mindset are key to make the online transition as smooth as possible.”