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The celebration continues… “Tiny Beautiful Things” takes the stage

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Photo by Mike Dean

On Friday, Nov. 5, the Northern Essex Community College theater department, “held an outdoor performance of the play “Tiny Beautiful Things.”
This was a special performance for staff members and students to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the college, the 50th anniversary of the Haverhill campus, and the 30th anniversary of the Dimitry Building in Lawrence.

A lighting display of the number 60 in honor of the college’s anniversary. Photo by Mike Dean

The play is based on the memoir by “Wild” author Cheryl Strayed and was adapted to stage by Nia Vardalos of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” fame.
Strayed, played by award-winning actress and current NECC student Gwynnethe Glickman, writes for an advice column under the alias “Sugar.”
Throughout the play, she attempts to help those who write to her by addressing their questions and problems with sincere honesty, going as far as sharing her own traumatic stories of a similar nature.

Zaida Buzan, Remani Lizana, and Natalie Scott play supporting roles portraying various troubled people seeking out advice from “Sugar”.
As the sun began to set and the air became cooler, the subjects discussed became more mature. Topics ranging from jealousy, work relationships, incest, infidelity, miscarriage, and physical abuse to name a few, complete with coarse language and really frank descriptions especially from “Sugar” herself.
“Tiny Beautiful Things” was certainly not for the easily disturbed. In addition to the disquieting content mentioned above, a lot of palpable emotional tension was powerfully conveyed by the four actors. It was so intense, we the audience could feel it ourselves as we were in the moment. It’s a blunt and moving play that despite all the potentially distressing subjects discussed, ends with a sense of relatability and most importantly, hope.
“I thought that all four performances were extraordinary,” said Brianne Beatrice, director and Performing Arts and Communication program. “I am so unbelievably proud of the production as a whole.”

Vardalos congratulated the crew via Twitter, encouraging them to “break many legs.”

The performance was held at the grassy knoll just outside of Bentley Library on the Haverhill campus.
A simple stage was constructed to provide the actors a platform to play off of.
The event was hosted by President Lane A. Glenn.

Refreshments were provided for the audience to enjoy. Photo by Mike Dean

A substantial crowd of attendees were offered hot chocolate, hot cider, and cider doughnuts free of charge.
In commemoration of the anniversary, gift bags were handed out to the audience containing an NECC thermal cup as well as a large decorated, frosted butter cookie.
“We had very large crowds and I was extremely grateful,” said Beatrice. “The entire experience was truly life changing.”
The event was considered a big success.

 

 

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Anniversary mosaic project

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Are you an NECC student, alum, faculty or staff? Do you have photos of you and your friends and classmates around campus? A snap shot by the beautiful murial in the Dimitry Building or a gorgeous pic of the fall foliage on the Haverhill campus? Photos can be shared on social media by using the hashtag #NECC60. You can also add your photos to the NECC website, search for “photo mosaic”. Photos will be collected now through Jan. 14.

Campus Life, Slider

The PACE program: A pathway for pioneers

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The PACE office entrance at the Behrakis Student Center in Haverhill. Photo by Isa Grullon

For many first-generation students, the college experience can be a difficult process to navigate. Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence, better known as PACE, is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

At NECC, the PACE staff consists of Director Kristen Arnold, Data Specialist Christine Carbone, Academic Adviser Sheila Corsaro, and Transfer Adviser Jessica Rocker.

 

PACE serves both NECC campuses. The Haverhill office is in the Behrakis Student Center, room SC213 and the Lawrence office is in the Dimitry Building, room L101.

Seating area in the Haverhill PACE office where students can find various items from high lighters to candy hanging on their holiday tree all year round. Photo by Isa Grullon

Lyric Iraola, 18, of Lawrence is a childhood development major and a first-generation college student. She heard about PACE from a family member. “They are there to help. I want to continue college after my two years here, so they’re going to help me go to UMass Amherst or Lowell, wherever,” says Iraola.

 

 

The pandemic has made it difficult to bring new students into the program over the past year.
“It’s hard to appeal to students when you aren’t in person. They couldn’t see us present on campus. They think it’s like a gimmick sometimes.” says Rocker. “We’re hoping this year is a little bit better,” she adds.

As the event and field trip coordinator, Rocker had to get creative in order to continue providing fun things to keep students engaged.
“Everything went virtual. For me it was really hard because I had to figure out a way to connect with students and still do the same things but do it virtually.”

Some of the virtual events provided by PACE have included a cooking class, paint nights andeven a ghost tour. Rocker thinks they will continue to include virtual events in the rotation of activities moving forward.

PACE promotes a welcoming atmosphere. Photo by Isa Grullon

Kimberly Garcia, 18, of Lawrence, studies art and design at NECC. She learned about PACE when Rocker contacted her about joining the program.
“I like how they do events, like the art event, we did it through Zoom, it was awesome.” says Garcia. “I feel like they’re helping me be more out there,” she added.
Garcia plans on transferring to a four-year school and ultimately finding an art and design job.

“On our most recent Annual Performance Report 89% of our students persisted, 95% of our students were in good academic standing, 87% of our students graduated with an associate degree or certificate within 8 semesters of entering PACE and 64% of our students earned an associates degree or certificate AND transferred to a four-year college within 8 semesters of joining PACE,” Arnold shared in an email.

PACE also hosts field trips to various colleges and universities in the area including Merrimack College, Salem State University, UMass Lowell and more.

The PACE “Wall of Fame” where student success stories are displayed. Photo by Isa Grullon

 

For more information on PACE and to see if you are eligible to join the program call 978-556-3403 or email karnold@necc.mass.edu.

Editorial

Good bye, farewell and thank you

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And just like that, the second (and final) issue of the fall 2021 Observer is here.

My final issue.

The 2021 fall semester has been bittersweet, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. For myself and many of us, the last two years have been difficult to say the least.
It has, however, allowed us to show ourselves and each other just what we are made of. There is grit among the blood, sweat, and tears. A demonstrated perseverance only seen in those who have everything to gain by pushing forward and too much to lose by falling back.

I want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone.
If you have ever answered a question I have asked ­– Thank you.
If you have ever posed for a photograph at my request ­­– ­­ Thank you.
If you have ever replied to an email or a text from me — Thank you.
If you have ever picked up a copy of the Observer  or visited the website — Thank you.

Professor Rattigan, thank you for being there when I was at one of my lowest points and was not sure I would or could continue. Taking your public speaking class during the winter intersession of 2020 kept me going.

Professor Lyng, thank you for your continued support. You made me feel like I could do anything, even when it was two in the morning and my editing software would not cooperate. Your energy and enthusiasm are undeniably infectious.

Dean Callahan, thank you for pushing the Liberal Arts department to be all that it has become and embracing journalism and communications in such a way that it has made it possible for students like myself to thrive.

Ernie Greenslade, thank you for your support and guidance over the last year and a half. You are an invaluable resource for all whose path you cross. I hope we will continue to cross paths for years to come.

Professor Shafer, thank you for ALL of the things. Thank you for encouraging me to join the Observer back when I didn’t even know what AP Style was. Thank you for continuing to push me forward while still being cautious as to not overwhelm me. Thank you for your understanding and your flexibility. Thank you for being available via email and text, always. Thank you for getting up early and staying up late and always reminding me that we are all still learning.

Professor Yarborough, it’s been a long road. Thank you for sticking by me, pushing and supporting me. I wish to have been able to meet you in person. You are truly one of the most considerate and kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Please know that all you do for your students does not go unnoticed.  

PACE family, we have only just met and I’m sorry it took me so long, but I am so glad to have finally met you all. You’ve shown me that it’s okay to ask for help and that it’s all within reach for the taking.

What the future will hold for me next, I cannot predict with certainty, but I know that I am now better prepared for what is to come, more than ever before, thanks in great part to Northern Essex and its community.

I hope to some day be able to give back all that I have received during my time here. At the very least I plan to pay it forward.

This is “good bye” for now but I’ll definitely “see ya later!”