Daily Archives: March 12, 2021

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Trying not to burst: Relationships inside the bubble

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Sometimes ‘okay’ is the best we got. And for surviving 2020, ‘okay’ is pretty good.

As we come upon the one-year mark of quarantine, Americans couldn’t be more eager to head out and get back our personal space — especially with the increasing rollout of vaccinations.

For better and worse, we have gotten to know our families and quarantine-partners very well. Not just your parent, sibling, child, or significant other; but their working-mode as well, as many professions are still mostly (if not entirely) virtual.

The natural circumstances of quarantine’s restrictions have applied stress to our personal and physical spaces. “

The beginning was a struggle,” said Owen Devlin, 21 year old communications student at NECC. Devlin describes the obstacles he’s overcome alongside his parents. “We had our own separate spaces but we’d get in the way of each other… We’ve learned to adapt,” he said.

With limited space forcing many of us to share work and personal environments, Devlin says he’s found the most positive success in addressing that exact issue.

“It helps to have more space to yourself,” he said.

Devlin has made the effort after struggling in the beginning of quarantine to create his own separate area to work. “I’m trying to respect my personal space and my family’s,” he said. Though it’s obviously easier said than done, as Devlin explains the difficulty of staying productive while on his comfortable bed.

Overall, there haven’t been many dramatic changes. They’re still the same individuals. “We’ve kept our ground,”he said.

Also enduring the Cabin Fever experience with his parents and dog Kipper is Leo Wellock, 20 year old NECC communications student. “It’s been hectic with all the compression,” he said.

Devlin and Wellock both express their effort in looking for the silver lining.

Devlin and his family focus on working efficiently throughout the week, and dedicating the weekends to quality, family time.  This includes staying connected with his brother, who moved out not long ago.

“I appreciate those moments as best as I can,” he said.

Instead of waiting for the day he can escape, Devlin looks forward to being able to share the experiences he’s missed for the past year with those he cares about.

For others, connections have grown stronger in the trying conditions. “We’ve grown more of a ‘best friend’ relationship than a ‘mother and daughter’ one,” says Kylie Stewart, 19 year old NECC student.

“I’ve learned that [my mom] had gone through a lot more that I never knew, that I’m also going through.”

Stewart has been quarantining with her parents, younger brother, and boyfriend. Her boyfriend came into the household several months into quarantine when his previous housing was no longer available. As with many homes, quarantine has emphasized the everyday stress and strain of life.

And boundaries can be much harder to set. “We’re all trying to do our own thing.” Stewart says that some days are ‘hit and miss,’ but that she will “always look at the positives.”

For the remaining days stuck inside, and the much brighter ones down the road, Stewart appreciates the simple constants of her life. “Besides my mom, my relationship with everyone else has been neutral. I at least hope it stays neutral.”

Sometimes ‘okay’ is the best we got. And for surviving 2020, ‘OK’ is pretty good.

 

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COVID-19’s effects on a health-care workplace

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This March will mark one-year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Millions of employees have had to worked remotely from home to socially distance to help prevent spreading the virus. As for health care workers, working remotely is not an option, so doctors, nurses and therapists needed to adapt to safer working conditions.

Registered nurse Bonnie Goifroy at Northeast Rehab explained “We tried making a Covid hall plus wearing masks, goggles and gowns at all times.”

Another Registered Nurse at Northeast Rehab Judy Pestka added “Upper management prohibited any visitators from entering the budling.”

While serving on the frontlines, health care providers run a high risk of getting sick by providing medical attention to COVID-19 positive patients.

A registered nurse at Northeast Rehab, Ursala Ferris, had a plan in place for this reason, “Me and my husband step in sanitizer before going inside the house, as for myself I have a designated area to clean my scrubs then I take a shower before anything else.”

Health-care workers have faced struggles adapting to these new precautions. “Wearing an N95 mask all day with my glasses on is very uncomfortable for me,” said Pestka.

Out of precaution visitors are prohibited from visiting, which is met with sadness from many patients.

“I have a lot of compassion for the COVID patients being alone and sick, so I try to cheer them up and make sure they are comfortable,” said Goifroy.

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Students, and teachers continue to adjust to online formats

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College students have adjusted in profound ways to continue to retain information through the COVID-19 pandemic. It is no secret that the past year has been a culture change to the world, especially college students.

Everything that was planned to happen in the great four or five years of the college experience is now an abandoned thought. In addition, the teacher’s goal to help their students and get the info for the class out is now twice as important as well as twice as hard. Throughout the nation, many teachers have struggled throughout this process of online school.

For many students this format is difficult and they find it hard to retain their information to a point where many students are just teaching themselves. However, many teachers throughout the United States have risen to the occasion and really stepped up for their students so they will have just as much of an opportunity to succeed whether the class is online or in-person.

These are the teachers that have turned into role models with their profound work ethic and determination to help others.

After speaking with numerous students from Northern Essex, it seems that there are some teachers that really look after the students of this college and truly care about these students’ education in such a dire need of it.

For instance, after speaking to sophomore Clay Campbell on this matter, he stated that he indeed has experienced a great class through the pandemic semester.

He shared his experience when he said, “My English class has been so effective because to get better we just have to keep writing. I think the teacher has helped tons of students. It is a class that allows the teacher to facilitate learning more which makes it just as effective as remote as it is in-person.”

This is a great example of a teacher taking the class and working on what they can control to continue to remain effective through this remote process of learning.

Even though it is stressed throughout the media that it must be very hard for college students right now, it is even harder for these teachers to not only provide a curriculum, but to make sure their students can take in as much info as they can.

After speaking with NECC sophomore Logan Burrill, it is clear how many teachers here at Northern Essex are stepping up and playing a great role in the school system.

Burrill expressed his experience so far with remote classes regarding the pandemic when he said, “I would say public speaking because even though I didn’t speak in front of a class I had to speak in front of a camera and prepare just like I was speaking to people in-person. I learned a lot about my weaknesses in this class which helped me become a better leader and communicator. It also even though online translated into real life scenarios.”

Burrill then went on to say how other classes such as statistics were useful this semester because both these teachers were just as invested in the students as the students were invested in the class itself.

That is what students all over the country are looking for at a time like this. Even though there have been great examples throughout the classroom. Sophomore Nick White thought elsewise saying, “I have always enjoyed the academic side of school, but since remote learning has become a way of life, I am yet to connect with a teacher like i could in the classroom. A lot of it is teaching yourself due to teachers not being there when you are in need of assistance.”

Now, this is the other side of the spectrum that needs to be heard as well. It is just as important to not let yourself fall behind, leaving the students to learn for themselves. This is honestly the popular side over the past few months. Teachers need to take the process just as seriously as the students, if not more. There are always two sides to every story. What everyone in the school industry, teacher and student, needs to work on is being consistent with themselves and controlling what you can. Nobody has ever experienced a pandemic like this before. As long as everyone does what they are supposed to do and try their best, there should be no problem within the schooling industry.

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Greater Lawrence Family Health Center doctors encourage community to get vaccinated

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On Tuesday evening, March.2, NECC students Tanner Jordan and Silvia Urena Polanco hosted a COVID-19 Vaccine Forum alongside guest doctors Lydia Rex and Tuhin Roy from Greater Lawrence Family Health Center via Zoom to answer the community’s questions about the safety of the vaccine.

Students, faculty and the general public were given the opportunity beforehand and during the Zoom webinar to ask questions about the Modern and Pfizer vaccines as Massachusetts moves into phase two of its COVID-19 Vaccination Phases. The most common concern for the public? Allergic reactions.

“Should people with life-threatening allergies take the shot?” Many of the attendees asked, “What are the allergic reactions people have had to each vaccine made by Moderna and Pfizer?”

“Definitely still get your vaccine even if you have anaphylaxis to other unrelated allergies,” Dr. Rex answered, “With both vaccines there have been reports of anaphylaxis, but the chances are 1 in 11 million.”

Members of the community also had concerns over the side effects of the vaccines similar to the aforementioned reports of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.

“Usually there is soreness in the site [of the vaccine]. Some people have reported fever and headache for up to 36 hours after the vaccine,” Said Dr. Roy, “Overall, the side effects are mild.”

Others inquired about the availability of the vaccine in the Lawrence-Haverhill area.

“Where and when are we able to get the vaccines?” one of the attendees asked.

“There are vaccines available to both patients and nonpatients at GLFHC, you can find more information on that on our website. There are also vaccines available (through) Lawrence General Hospital,” said Dr. Roy.

Despite all the concerns raised by the public, the doctors stood firmly behind the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in the fight to stop the spread.

“Our mentality as of right now is the more people vaccinated the better,” Dr. Roy said.

You can visit GLFHC’s website to get more information on COVID-19 and to sign up for your vaccination. For more information about the Lawrence General Hospital clinic visit https://www.lawrencegeneral.org/about-us/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-for-massachusetts

For information about statewide sites, visit: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

 

 

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Interactive comedy hour offers a night of laughts

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On Wednesday evening March 3rd, NECC Student Life Activities presented an online interactive comedy hour to have fun and loosen up life during COVID times, hosted by professional stand-up comedian and adjunct professor David Rattigan.

The crowd warmed up “with a tiny bit of education” as Rattigan put it, with a short six-slide PowerPoint as an introduction, outlining the pitfalls the comedian experienced throughout the quarantine and how he survived due to “the benefits of laughter.”

Nothing was off limits, including being a father of a 15 year old who was perpetually in a bad mood, to looking for comorbidities to get the vaccine, and performing at a winter comedy festival to a crowd of only ten in a venue  for 250, with the punchline being that most of the attendees were staff members.

“Life is terrible – especially since 2020 started,” stated Rattigan. “We are stuck with the options to either laugh or cry, ultimately we can improve our lives with laughter.”

The final slide summed up what the purpose of this evening was intended by displaying a quote “Humor can band teams, boost your career and make even the most boring and stressful jobs bearable,” written by Rachel Feintzeig of The Wall Street Journal of Feb 21 2021.

Feintzeig’s quote, provided by Rattigan, was the segue into the remaining 45 minutes of the program which was reserved for audience participation.

The participants included approximately 17 people comprising both students and faculty of NECC. As the virtual online host, Rattigan led the attendees, in an unmuted setting, in five different exercises putting them in the spotlight and promoting interactions that elicited laughter.

These activities were initiated, bringing each audience member center stage, introducing themselves followed by making a crazy noise. This ice breaker set the tone for further comedic improv that included “one upping” each other, filling in the blanks of famous quotes, sharing jokes and telling funny stories as well as working in small groups, via chat rooms, creating parodies of celebrities as Presidents along with slogans to go with their campaign.

“Just have fun,” encouraged Rattigan.

During the one hour event, smiles were observed on everyone’s faces, along with laughs and cheering each other on.

“I didn’t realize how long it has been since I’ve had a good laugh”, stated NECC Criminal Justice major Emma Atwood.

Towards the end of the hour Rattigan summed up the experience,“A lot of the comedy comes from people breaking out of their comfort zones and doing something fun and creative.”

At NECC, Rattigan, an adjunct professor who teaches a variety of communication courses, has been making students laugh while helping them learn.

He is also an accomplished professional stand-up comedian who has personally appeared and played various comedy venues all over the Northeast. Dictated by COVID-19, his venues had to take on a new format.

“I did some outdoor shows during the pandemic, and have done a few indoor shows to very small, socially distant crowds. It was a very different dynamic, but all the comics I’ve talked to were happy to just get out and perform.” said Rattigan during an interview.

Rattigan has previously done a few online comedy shows, and developed the night’s program based on a speaking presentation on the benefits of laughter.

“I’ve prepared by teaching virtual on-line classes which, as students know, can be tragic or comic depending on your point of view.”

He further added that, “I’m told that I’m very dry. I write about things that frustrate me, or I find ironic, or just seem funny to me. I like many styles, but mostly things that surprise me.”

This event was initiated by Student Life Activities coordinators Stepahnie Haskell and Maria Hernandez. “Maria and I were asked by the Dean to create new virtual events. Some students mentioned Rattigan’s comedic gifts and seeing his background in stand-up comedy, he was recruited to helm the event.” revealed Haskell. She went on to say, “Less people signed up last fall, but more people registered to attend this year, yet overall attendance was similar in the fall.”

When asked if the event was a success, Haskell’s reply was, “If you have more than one person laughing, we had 17, then consider that a success!”

 

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Learning remotely: The impacts of social media on NECC students at home

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In a time where students and professionals are adjusting to a new environment by working remotely from home, there are many sources of entertainment in the environment meant for distraction, among them the cell phone within reach offering access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram encouraging interaction between individuals.

Many students at Northern Essex Northern Essex Community College have different feelings about the ways in which these interactive platforms have impacted their daily routines.

NECC student, Leo Wellock, feels that social media has not affected his ability to stay focused on coursework during the day.

In terms of the amount of time Wellock spends using social media, he explains that on average, he spends about two hours per day using it. However, due to the current circumstances, he has been on it more often using platforms like Instagram and Letter Box, a tool he uses to make lists and map out coursework.

Despite the increase in phone usage, Wellock says his focus rarely drifts away from the task at hand allowing it to be completed at a reasonable time.

Additionally, Wellock says that social media has impacted him emotionally at times, especially when looking at social media postings or checking up on friends.

Also, if Wellock receives a notification on his phone, he experiences an instant urge to check it, especially if someone sends him a message about one of his movie reviews in which case he likes responding to the comment.

He sets aside some advice for those struggling with their time on social media: “Try setting up a schedule and breaking up certain segments of the day and see if that helps.”

NECC student, Brendan Fournier, age 22, feels that social media has not impacted his way of learning during the pandemic. Fournier says that although he uses social media quite often, he can complete assignments on time while limiting distractions.

Fournier does, however, struggle with procrastination. He says that procrastination comes easy to him because virtual learning allows for more time and flexibility.

Furthermore, Fournier is emotionally impacted when using social media at times, too. Besides his classes at the college, Fournier recently aged out of a post graduate program where he would connect with fellow students virtually through different interactive platforms and since his departure last year, Fournier says he is not connecting with students and friends as much as he once did, something that saddens him.

However, he still enjoys using social media platforms like Facebook to keep in touch with his friends from the program and those outside of the program as well. “I use it too often to count,” he says when talking about how his screen time has increased since the start of pandemic.

Fournier offers some advice for those who may be struggling with putting the phone down, “Set goals for yourself,” he says.

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How local artists are keeping in touch with creativity during COVID-19

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When it comes to creativity and artistic expression, human interactions and experiences can sometimes be one’s main source of inspiration. The COVID-19 pandemic has made our precious and ‘normal’ lives seem like a distant memory.

Every group of people—from teens to retirees, infants to the elderly—have been impacted by this shift in conviviality. Artists who find happiness and careers in their creativity especially face new challenges this year, but not all hope is lost. Now connoisseurs at making the most out of their time, local artists provide insight on what has kept them motivated and inspired throughout their troubles.

Keeping in touch with their creativity is part of their work, NECC student Chelsea Daigle explains. “Honestly, I manage to do most of my art because I have to.” This sentiment is shared by many students who find that their only motivation to do work is a deadline.

Daigle shares that collaborating and discussing artistic ideas with friends has made the pandemic less daunting.

Local artist Ula Grabski looked to the internet for the inspiration she typically got from art exhibits and museums. “Viewing different art magazines and online exhibitions, as well as researching art museum archives has allowed me to remain inspired.” Grabski went as far as to say that this new method could even substitute her regular trips to museums following the pandemic since this method works so well for her.

Down time is something many of us seem to have too much of now. Daigle says it has “been an odd mix of too much space and not enough stimulation” that has caused a lack of artistic motivation throughout this pandemic.

Social media has been a helpful tool and source of freedom and connection for many throughout the past year, but it has also caused a sense of guilt for not making the most of quarantine. Work out challenges, music releases, job offers, and more posted on social media can leave others feeling like they have not done enough with their free time. Grabski shares that at the start of the pandemic’s shutdown, she felt similarly. “observing their liberation online left me feeling depleted—and guilty. It wasn’t until June 2020 that I finally sat in front of the blank canvas and forced myself to paint.”

Yet, Grabski is one of many who found passion during her time alone granted by the pandemic. “Before, I loved art but didn’t picture myself pursuing it as more than a hobby. After I was almost forced to create as a source of entertainment, I saw its true potential.”

Artists like Grabski and Daigle encourage others to continue creating whatever they can during these trying times. Art can become a healthy outlet for emotions and frustrations, especially as we are all stuck inside.

Above all, Grabski advises her fellow artists to continue pushing past the lack of motivation and internal judgement, and to simply create. Daigle expresses a similar sentiment, urging others “do it for yourself, you don’t have to create something presentable every day, just create something that makes you smile.”

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Student Government Association leaders want to be voice of students

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Empowering fellow students, building character, and understanding what’s happening on campus:  that’s what the Student Government Association is and why its leaders choose to be involved.

The Student Government exists to “represent the student body – we’re their voice,” said SGA President and Laboratory Science major, Lam Tien. The SGA will “address any questions and concerns,” he said.

SGA meetings are open to all students, and meet virtually the first and last Thursday of each month at 4 p.m.

“I enjoy being part of SGA. [It] helps me develop into a better communicator, and a better leader,” Tien said.

Tien said he also uses some of what he learned from his 11 years in the U.S Army to be a leader in the SGA. “Be reliable, be dependable. Have integrity, [and] be honest in everything you do,” he said.

Students can keep up with SGA by following them on social media. Their Twitter and Instagram handle is “NECCSGA.” They are “Northern Essex Community College: Student Government Association” on Facebook.

Tien said the best way to contact them is through their student emails found on the SGA page.

“I believe students would want to attend an SGA meeting to understand the background of what goes on in the school … so that they know we care about properly representing students,” said SGA treasurer, Iseline Mendoza. Mendoza is an Accounting and Business transfer student.

“As a leader, I aim to create a positive environment,” she said. Mendoza said she wants to do that because she remembers her high school student government as “being ‘cliquey’.”

“I joined SGA because I had concerns about the pandemic and how other students were going through it. I wanted to be the first to hear information,” she said. Mendoza said she uses her position to gather information and spread it to students through social media and events.

“We are always available to meet 1-on-1. I can not stress that enough,” said Alyssa Piccolo. At 19 years old, Piccolo is the SGA Secretary and an Early Childhood Education Major at NECC.

Piccolo said she wants other students to feel welcome talking to her. “We’re not here to be intimidating,” she said. “I can provide others with the information they may not see themselves getting – and I can provide it faster,” she said.

Piccolo said that being in SGA is a mutually beneficial experience because she learns while she helps fellow students. To be a Northern Essex Knight is to “follow what you know is right, [and] lead by example,” she said. “I’m someone who cares a lot, and I’m passionate about what I do,” she said.

 

 

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The afermath of the impeachment trial

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The second impeachment trial of Donald Trump concluded with his acquittal. Trump was on trial in the Senate, accused of inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Trump’s second impeachment trial lasted five days with both House managers and defense lawyers presenting evidence and arguments to support their positions.

“Donald Trump, should have been guilty and face jail time in prison,” said Darcy Kinsley, 21 years old, Emergency Technician at Holy Family Hospital/NECC Student.

Trump acquitted consisted base on the vote to convict that was 57 to 43, 10 votes short of the necessary threshold. After a long day of arguments over whether to allow witness at the trial and following closing arguments from both sides, only seven Republican senators -Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitt Romney, Ben Sasse and Pat Toomey voted to convict.

“I thought he was guilty of all charges against him. It was an unfair trial because he got away with everything he did and then he was acquitted,” said Daritza Kinsley, 37 years old, a receptionist at Community Optics.

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NECC Knights getting back to competition this spring

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As the spring sports semester begins Northern Essex Community College intends to return to competition.

The first sports to get this underway will be the men’s basketball team and the women’s volleyball team along with the esports team.

After COVID had canceled sports during the fall semester the plan to follow the strict Massachusetts guidelines and have the athletes resume their time playing.

“The college will follow all Massachusetts COVID guidelines, which means spectators will not be permitted unless limitations are lifted by the state,” acording to the NECC Knights website.

With everything going on NECC is looking to make the sports return a safe environment and make sure no athlete or person is at risk of getting COVID.

“Competition schedules are also in development for men’s soccer, softball, golf, and track, and field,” according to the website.

The Knight’s baseball team started on March 7.  NECC could use the early sports of basketball and volleyball to use as a guide going forward with the later starting sports. How everything is going on NECC is looking to slowly incorporate more of the sports over time but since this is the first time for everyone, they are taking it slowly making sure athletes and coaches are not at risk of catching the virus. “

We have developed schedules for basketball, baseball, and volleyball. We are working on the other sports as well.” said Athletic director Dan Blair.

While the setting has changed for what is going with the sports world, NECC is stil recruiting athletes.

“Recruitment hasn’t changed, our coaches are still doing what they traditionally do, just in a different setting,” said Blair.

The new season is upon us as NECC looks to reopen the competition side of sports and get the athletes back out there.

If there are any questions about sports, in what will happen, or in need of anything alongside that you can contact the Director of Athletics, Dan Blair at (dblair@necc.mass.edu).