Monthly Archives: March 2021

Features, Slider

COVID-19 one year later: An oral history

and  

In March 2020 the world stood still when a pandemic ended everyday life. It started as a virus with its origins unknown that started in the city of Wuhan in the heart of the People’s Republic of China. After that it went global with the first cases popping out of the borders of the PRC. By March 2021 over 500,000 Americans had died from COVID-19. This event would shake the core of the Medical Community and put a strain on  all of them both physically and psychologically.  These are a handful accounts from people with in the medical community in the state of Massachusetts more specifically the doctors and nurses of Lawrence General hospital. These are a series of interviews conducted by email over a series of days and some of the interviews were condensed down.

 

  1. Where were you when you heard about the outbreak and how did you feel?

 

Erica Cutter RN, MSN, Mother of NECC Correspondent Zachary Cutter, Newburyport, MA

Not sure about location. But I remember thinking it would never get as bad as they were saying. I really thought well it will be like the yearly flu-some get it-some don’t. That there was no way possible it could or would effect so many people. I also felt sad and selfish because we had a big trip planned with the family.

 

Deb Karantonis, RN,BSN,CCRN, Salem, NH

When I heard about the outbreak I was at first hesitant to believe it was real. I thought it was going to be similar to the every day Influenza virus. But when it hit Boston at that convention they were having I actually got a little knot in my throat and said wow it is unbelievable and it is going to spread like wild fire. I felt very nervous for my family and also as a critical care nurse felt very nervous for myself and for my coworkers not knowing what to expect

 

Glenn Newsome MD, Andover, MA

I feel like most people, I do not recall a particular place or time that I heard about the Coronavirus.  My awareness seemed to come on gradually.  There were sporadic news reports and then rather suddenly it seemed to be upon us. The real warning came when the participants of the Biomedical company became sick after a conference Boston.  It was then that I realized it was on our door step.  My first personal involvement started when I was asked to come back to cover in the LGH ICU.  The hospital developed a plan to care for the surge of COVID-19 patients by opening more critical care beds.  I was extremely concerned about my personal safety and the safety of my family.  Before I began, I saw a memorial to seven Italian physicians that had come out of retirement only to contract the infection and die.  They all looked like me.

 

Maria Mazzone, RN, ADN,BA Economics,Methuen, MA

I was at home watching the news when I first heard of COVID.  It did not worry me at that time because “it” was not here in Massachusetts.

 

Linda Brigham, RN, BSN, CCRN, Kingston, NH

I was in the Spanish Virgin Islands on a catamaran and planned to spend our second week in the British Virgin Islands. We were told that we could not enter the British Island for our second week , due to covid, so we sailed the Spanish Islands for our second week. I remember feeling disappointed but, thought “well these islands are beautiful as they are and they will be there  next year”.

 

  1. When you treated or took care of your first COVID patient did you foresee the pandemic playing out the way it did?

 

Erica Cutter RN, MSN

I recall two patients that were probable COVID—but we at that time didn’t have the ability or there was a lot of red tape to get them tested.  They were young. And it just didn’t make sense that someone so young could be so sick. I remember the intensivist saying I know what this is.  And from that day forward everything changed.

 

Deb Karantonis, CCRN,RN, BSN

When I took care of my first COVID patient in the intensive care unit I did not expect to see what I saw. It was unimaginable how quickly a patient could take a turn for the worse you need a breathing tube. It was extremely upsetting to me to see patients call the families or FaceTime their families prior to being intubated. Especially because I and lot of my coworkers and doctors knew that maybe was the last time they would ever see or hear from their loved one again. That seemed almost inevitable in the beginning when somebody received a breathing tube.

 

Glenn Newsome,MD

Answering a question about the treatment of patients with COVID-19 is a difficult.  Our lack of fundamental knowledge of the pathogenesis of the infection was extremely disturbing.  Every day literally presented new challenges.  The treatment that we used on Monday was not the same treatment that we would use on Wednesday.  It is the first, and hopefully the last time, I practiced medicine on the basis of tweeter feed.  Those first few weeks made us realize that we were dealing with an illness that did not follow the same rules.  For many healthcare workers this uncertainty and confusion resulted in severe emotional stress.  The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 was going to be devastating to mankind.  This may seem strange to say, in retrospect, I thought the loss of life was going to be much worse.

 

Maria Mazzone, RN, ADN,BA Economics

No I did not. I did not think it was going to affect so many people and that so many of them would die.

 

Linda Brigham, RN, BSN, CCRN

I totally didn’t foresee this pandemic would have a destructive force our generation would ever encounter.

 

  1. How did you feel during the height of the outbreak and did you feel mentally strained about it?

 

Erica Cutter RN, MSN

I felt scared, tired and frustrated.  People were dying all around us.  We couldn’t save them.  I have never witnessed so many people die in such a short amount of time. It really took a toll on the medical team.  We had nurses leaving the bedside in fear of their health and their loved ones.  Nobody wants to think that they brought the covid home and made their household sick.  Many nurses, doctors and practitioners were infected with COVID.  I thankfully did not get infected but it was like just waiting for it. Waiting to get sick and worrying how sick would I get.

 

Deb Karantonis, RN, BSN, CCRN

During the height of the outbreak I was extremely exhausted and felt overworked. Not only was I working a lot of hours in the intensive care unit but I felt like I wasn’t taking care of my own needs on my family’s needs and never felt like I got a break from wearing all the PPE that is involved in taking care of the COVID patient. I will say I was more than mentally drained

 

Glenn Newsome MD

Yes, I felt emotionally strained at the height of my involvement with the pandemic.  As I have mentioned previously, there was great concern about personal safety, lack of clarity regarding what the virus was doing to patients, and a general sense of helplessness.  Everyone had to find a way to manage the emotional turmoil.  I relied upon the strength of my family, the courage of my fellow doctors, nurses, and therapists, and faith in a higher power.

 

Maria Mazzone, RN, ADN,BA Economics

It was very stressful. I was afraid of getting it and bringing the virus home to my family. It was stressful and draining wearing all the PPE and not being able to eat, drink or go to the bathroom without removing all your PPE. At the height of it, we had to wear the body suit, double gloves, surgical hat and face shield or goggles. It takes time to put it on and take it off. We had to open another unit to accommodate all the patients. And one unit, which did not have doors separating the COVID patients, you cannot remove your PPE until you left the unit. There were new staff and new doctors to the hospital that you had to work with. Also a lot of nurses had to get redeployed to help the ICU nurses. Everyone were still learning how to treat covid. And then, we had PPE shortage. Those PPE that we used to take for granted were being exhausted. I was scared, sad, frustrated and drained. I was surprised a lot of us nurses kept working.

 

Linda Brigham, RN, BSN, CCRN

During the height of the outbreak I was  emotionally and physically on overdrive. I was terrified I would bring this deadly virus home to my family. I soon realized people could survive the covid infection, however the lifelong side effects could be devastating such as: clots in the lungs and fibrosis of the lung tissue.

 

 

  1. Do you think we should address the mental and physical toll that this outbreak caused on our medical professionals?

 

Erica Cutter RN, MSN

Absolutely 100%.  I get so angry when I hear that people think COVID isn’t real. There are so many conspiracy theories.  Just thinking about what we went through in the past year makes me teary.  I actually questioned whether or not I was strong enough mentally to continue at the bedside.  I believe that organizations should be putting their staffs emotional well-being at the top of the priority list.  Nursing during the pandemic will forever be on my mind. I also feel bad for families.  I can’t imagine not being able to be with their loved ones at end of life.

 

Deb Karantonis, RN, BSN, CCRN

I absolutely feel as though it is imperative to address the mental and physical toll that has been wearing on the medical professionals. We are so focused on taking care of everybody else that I think if our mental and physical issues are not addressed we are going to see devastating affects in the future And I believe you will have a lot of medical professionals leaving their calling

 

Glenn Newsome MD

This episode in human history is going to leave a permanent scar on many providers in the healthcare world.  This experience is going to result in many deciding that they cannot continue in the field.  They will move on to other pursuits.  For those who decide to stay, there absolutely needs to be better assistance in dealing with the psychological and emotional upheaval.   We have not made much progress in dealing with these issues.  Everyone is expected to be “strong” and carry on.  Isolation is the worst enemy.  Openness and compassion for each other is where healing begins.  We need to check-in with our coworkers and find solutions.

 

Maria Mazzone, RN, ADN,BA Economics

Yes I think it should be addressed. Resources to help us cope with the mental and physical toll this pandemic caused should be readily available and either free or at a low cost.  There are a lot of nurses who are reevaluating their choice of career.

 

Linda Brigham, RN, BSN, CCRN,

I absolutely believe the mental and physical toll on the medical professionals should be addressed. I have experienced PTSD due to end of life patient/ family interactions. Several times I had to “face time” family members, because in person visitations were not available,  during which time the family members would talk to their loved ones saying such things like: l love you so much, you are why I am who I am now”! My heart hurt and my tears flowed for the family members who couldn’t be with their loved ones, but in the end I assured the family members  members someone would be with their  loved one at the end. I know this was an incredible relief for family members. A second phase of my PTSD: In the beginning of covid I cared for many patients who were on breathing machines so I had no personal interactions with them. However, 8-9 months into COVID patients would come up to the intensive care unit  requiring a higher level of care. I would bond with these patients , learn their personality, laugh with them, cry with them, THEN …know their path would ultimately end ….so  many silent tears!

 

  1. How much progress do you think we have made in our ability to tackle another pandemic?

 

Erica Cutter RN, MSN

This is a tricky one.  I guess I question with what we have learned and would we be able to implement in another pandemic.  One thing that has been proven is that education is key.

 

Deb Karantonis, RN, BSN, CCRN

So in my opinion I feel as though we have made leaps and bounds in our ability to tackle possibly the next pandemic. I think things will be different from the beginning and the CDC will have something to refer back to In the event of another pandemic. And I believe now that we have had one pandemic I think there will be eventually another pandemic …. who knows when or where it will start but I think it will be inevitable unfortunately

 

Glenn Newsome MD

No one of this generation will forget the pain and advances made in 2020.  I have optimism that we will be more intellectually and emotionally prepared for the next worldwide epidemic.  We have learned many lessons.  Nations need to be open and honest regarding the emergence of new or novel illness.  Governments need to be ready to coordinate the distribution of materials and assistance based on science and not politics.  Frontline workers need to have access to accurate and timely information to design care plans for patients.  The public has to understand the need to accept personal responsibility for their actions and the impact on others.

 

Maria Mazzone, RN,ADN,BA Economics

I think we have learned a lot from this pandemic experience although, not fast enough to limit the number of people that died. Not fast enough for people not to suffer financially, losing their business and homes.

 

Linda Brigham, RN, BSN, CCRN

I believe we have made great progress in the COVID pandemic, however if another pandemic were to surface I believe it would devastate us as a nation. COVID has touched all of us in various ways.

 

These gut wrenching stories from the medical professions who were close to those infected by the virus showed valor, bravery and courageous acts of kindness to the ones who were dying or at near death. These words cannot express the horror that came with this global event.

 

Features, Slider

Trying not to burst: Relationships inside the bubble

and  

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.

 

Home Page News Bytes, News

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

and  

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.

Features, Home Page News Bytes

Students, and teachers continue to adjust to online formats

and  

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.

Home Page Featured News, News

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center doctors encourage community to get vaccinated

and  

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

 

 

Arts and Entertainment, Home Page Featured News

Interactive comedy hour offers a night of laughts

and  

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!”

 

Home Page News Bytes, News

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

and  

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.

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

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

and  

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.”

Features, Home Page Featured News

Student Government Association leaders want to be voice of students

and  

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.

 

 

News

The afermath of the impeachment trial

and  

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.