Monthly Archives: May 2023

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Observer alum wins award

 
Student holds award certificate
Former Observer Editor-in-Chief / Sports Editor Jose Rodriguez shows off the second place award for College Rising Star from the New England Newspaper and Press Association he received May 6 in Waltham. Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Shafer

22-year-old Jose Rodriguez  is a journalism graduate of Northern Essex Community College who is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Salem State University, where he is majoring in Media and Communication minoring in Journalism. Rodriguez is the former Editor-in-Chief and Sports Editor of the NECC Observer.

Recently Rodriguez has also won second place for the New England Press Association’s College Rising Star award, making him an official award winning journalist. The NECC Observer staff also won a third place award for best college news website at the awards banquet May 8 in Waltham.  That award includes when alumni Isa Grullon was editor-in-chief.

When asked what brought Rodriguez to journalism he says, “I always told myself if I am not going to be a baseball player I want to be a sports journalist, what inspired me was the Yankees announcer Michael Kay and he has his own radio show on the weekdays during the afternoon so I want to be like him, he is a role model and that brought me in. My favorite part about is doing interviews before and after the game and talk to head coach and athletes to get a feeling what the game is going to be if there is any injury or a good player from the other team that they are trying to be careful and after the game talk about what went wrong and good and focusing on a player or two or if there is some confusing talk about that is the post game.” Rodriguez has played baseball at a highly competitive level, he hosts a radio show like his inspiration, he interviews players and coaches and covers recent games and his insights. He was also the announcer for the NECC Knights basketball team. The definition of rising star.

“I am …. climbing the ladder step by step to get there and the recognition that I got from NENPA is building up my resume….I was competing with community college, colleges, and 4 year university in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine and finishing in second place is a honor,” he said.  Starting his educational career at NECC back in ‘21 Rodriguez has come a long way after moving to Lawrence from Queens, NY.

When asked what is some advice he would give to other writers Rodriguez says along with determination “some advice that I would give to writers is double check, even triple check your spelling, making sure every word is accurate, but most importantly spell the other person’s name correctly, people get mad and upset if you write a story and mention someone’s name and is spelled incorrectly.”

He added that reading stories out loud can help as well.

“Also I would like to add read it out loud, don’t read it in your head because if you read it out loud it is going to be totally different then if you read it in your head and that’s where you know if you need to add a coma or a period you know simple grammar issues,” he said.

A fun fact Rodriguez wishes everyone knew is “I am the back up play by play baseball announcer in Salem State and is live streamed so everyone can watch the game. My radio show was on until this past Tuesday because it is the end of the semester, I can’t do my radio show until … September where we return back to class that’s when I can start again but now I am getting involved with Salem State Vikings podcast which means that I will interview a coach or a athlete for an episode, then it is going to be up online where ever the people consume their podcast, for example Spotify, Apple among other podcast pages as well is available in the Salem State Vikings athletic website.”

Arts and Entertainment

Gaming: The other side of the spectrum

 

Although gaming is for everyone, there are often difficulties that are faced in the games themselves as well as the different perspectives that other people have.

It is well known amongst the gaming community that most of the consumers are predominantly male. Yet there is an increase in the number of females who are now picking up the hobby. With this brings a whole new experience to the games and lobbies that are being played in. Not all of it is good sadly, as more people join in the gaming community and as we see more females and more female streamers emerge there is a bit of controversy amongst everyone on female gamers.

Sophia Gioldasis announces what it is like for her when she plays video games. “ When I play video games I just mainly do it for the fun. I love joining in games with my boyfriend and playing with his friends. We always get extremely competitive and he always states that there are not enough gamer girls that are willing to play intense games. I remember this one time in particular where I was in a game lobby and was the only female and this guy started cursing me out because he got beat by me saying things like, go to the kitchen and cook me food as well as saying I should just stay home. I definitely think it is weird how people sexualize the girls and also how they oversexualize the aesthetic that we are “supposed” to have. Not all girls simply play little kid games and not all of us are all cutesy. Another thing is the fact that they almost always believe they are the superior gamer, and they also think that it is to impress a boy, but I just really enjoy playing the game.”

Georgia McMahon, another female gamer who is active in the community  says “when I game with the boys they are often surprised at how I can keep up with them. Most of the time the boys are pretty nice depending on the game and how intense it is. A lot of guys I have played with say that they go easier when there is a woman in the game because they don’t want to make us feel bad, but that defeats the purpose of challenging us. Another thing is the fact that boys in the games are just very toxic and seem to always say things about our gender. Or even try to hit on me while I game. They ask about my body as well as what they think I’m actually like, and try to trick me into making noises on the mics. I have a very feminine voice and when I stream I try to hide my body as much as I can because I always get sexual comments about my body and what is in the frame. However every once in a while I will meet a group of guys who are open and willing to play with me regardless of how good I am. That to me is a great feeling because it challenges me and makes me feel like an equal.”

Gaming has not only opened up a world for both genders to prove themselves, but also a place where we see the sexist part of the community.

ow that more female gamers are coming into view, there has been a decrease in the way that women are viewed in the gaming industry.

Thankfully more and more people are becoming open-minded to the idea that girls are just as good as everyone else who is a gamer.

 

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Peace Poetry contest winners celebrated

 
Peace Poetry contest poster
Photo courtesy NECC

At NECC’s Haverhill campus Tech Building the 15th Annual Peace Poetry contest was held the night of May 4.

The contestants’ ages ranged from first graders to college students with three top place winners for each age category.

Brought together for the first. time in perso since the 2020 pandemic which had separated and isolated so many.

Judges included students in Northern Essex’s English Composition I and II a well as Children’s Literature course during this past spring semester of 2023.

Families were so excited to support their loved ones participating in this event as seating quickly filled up and eventually families stood around the room and out the door.

Sherri from Andover, mother of an eighth grader who had been a top three placewinner beams with excitement “I’m just really excited to be able to see my son find an outlet through writing and a ceremony like this just means the world for him he hadn’t expected to be a winner when turning in his poem….Im so very proud.”

These poems held a common theme of course, peace. Lines like Cameron Dove’s of 1st grade describing peace as “copper and dopper and my puppies heart.”

Participants wrote about topics ranging from what peace feels and smells like, connection and empathy to whether or not world peace is attainable in the society we live in today and the injustices suffered.

For example a moving line from first place winner of the College & Community category Fezonae Miller “can peace in this world be attained are we ever going to be unchained…serenity only lasts for a moment this world is truly missing so many components.”

Every poem was its own interpretation of peace and what it meant to the writers/participants of this contest.

“Writing is not always meant to be shared and we write for many personal and private purposes, but often we write for an audience, we write to be heard, and we need to know that our words matter,” said Professor Elle Yarborough of the English Department of Northern Essex.

Arts and Entertainment

Competitive gaming gains in popularity

 

Many people see playing video games as simply something to pass the time, however for many others it is a source of entertainment, yet for a select few it is even a career and is just as intense as football. All around the world tournaments are hosted by high paying marketers as people battle in what is known as Esports!

Issael Reynoso, a streamer since 2018 talks about his time playing in the atmosphere.

“There are many different types of gaming, as a streamer you have to know what types of games are in and what games to be good at, you want to make sure that you are catching the attention of the right people in order to get a sponsor in an intense tournament. It is not easy because you are going up against people who do this for a living and who have more experience than you. It can be difficult at times and overwhelming because of how intense the atmosphere can get.”

Leafy_Senpai who wishes not to disclose his real name, assures us that competitive gaming is still on the rise.

“ I remember when I would stream hundreds of sponsors would be pouring in, when I would stream and go to the tournaments the atmosphere there was incredible. You had all types of different people with one thing in common, the goal to win the  game and be the best. Often times there were prizes for those who came out on top. I remember winning one time and actually earned 1,700 dollars in one tournament. The tournaments took up to 4 hours at times and you would be in the zone just going at it against players who also knew the tricks of the games. You never knew who you were going up against and never knew what they had up their sleeve, the games were all just to see who was the better gamer. It was really fun although everyone there was trying to constantly outdo the person next to them. Even today I still see sponsors looking for suitable candidates to help improve and advertise for their games, many tournaments and the companies that sponsor them have grown so much from when I would go to them. More and more people are competing everyday in video games.”

With competitive gaming on the rise many more people are continuously pouring in from all parts of the world. Whether it is to watch their favorite streamers compete or to join in on the intensity of the tournaments. Esports has engulfed the world in such a way that it not only brings people together but also has made an environment where people can actually profit off of their talents. Helping people make full time careers and friendships along the way!

 

Arts and Entertainment

Gaming is its own therapy

 

Gaming has become a way people can unwind after a long day’s work. According to the students of NECC campus, and even people who are district managers in our everyday community, gaming is not only a way to escape reality, it also provides a sense of control and release that they cannot have in their normal everyday lives.

Shain Thompson, a district manager claims  that “gaming helps me relax after a hard day of work because I can just relax and enjoy another world where my worries and stress don’t exist. I’m the character in that game and I am living an entirely different life which is not only fun but also refreshing.”

As someone who is seemingly always stressed, gaming has helped him in many ways that he feels is therapeutic. “Gaming has helped me find a way out during tough times in my life as well, I have always been able to turn on the game and just get into the groove no matter what was going on in my life. Gaming has given me a way of release that I have found nothing else can really compare to. After turning off the game for the night I can really just completely feel at peace and just feel less tense.”

Following this interview Quinn Alvarez states “ When I game, All my emotions and thoughts become placed into the game. I can create a world in which everything I want can happen and anything I need will be. It helps me release anxiety and the stress I have built up, for example when I play Minecraft and am angry or hurt I simply go into survival and kill all the mobs. However when I just need to shut off my mind I go into creative and just build until I’m content. By the time I have completed whatever I’m building I can see how much I have accomplished. It’s very calming and nice.”

Lastly, Jake Rodrigez  a graphic design major claims “Gaming lets me create my own world where I am unstoppable and can accomplish anything I want. It also allows me to connect with others and have a good laugh with my friends whenever we all get on, usually the customers at my job tend to upset me and when I get on the game it gives me an outlet to release all the pent up anger I felt throughout the day.”

According to Rose Igartua, a 67 year old grandmother talks about how gaming not only occupies her, but also gives her a sense of relief “when I play mobile games on my phone I can do things I no longer am able to do. I can make a restaurant, build castles and even chat with other people like me which I can’t really do anymore. When the grandkids are not home and all the stuff I normally do is done, I can always play a game to pass the time. Which helps me feel less alone and keeps my mind busy until I want to do something else!”

Gaming has helped many people find a way out of their stressful and busy days, not only can it help you unwind and relax but it also again, brings people together and can be considered, to some, a form of therapy!

 

 

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Haverhill High students rave about NECC’s Early College program

 

Northern Essex Community College offers an early college program to high school students who are looking to get a jump start to college while still in high school. High school students take classes at NECC during their regular school week that will not only satisfy their high school graduation requirements, but can transfer as college credits for a degree as well. This program offers a handful of benefits, such as granting MassTransfer credits with flexible courses, and giving students a significant tuition reduction.

Other than granting college credit for a low price, the early college program offers a lot of opportunities that are beneficial to students looking to further their education after high school. The program teaches students to develop effective study habits, as well as essential skills to being successful in college. It also gives students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career options, all while preparing early on for college.

Riley Militello, a sophomore at University of New Hampshire, says that he enjoyed the program while attending Timberlane Regional High School, and he found that it had positively impacted his academic career. “They helped me a ton with college in the sense that I knew how to write papers well and study for classes,” Riley states, “The classes I took were all general studies, so they were able to transfer to UNH easily.”

Students also get to enjoy the advantages of being an NECC student. They have full access to all NECC support services while taking this program, such as academic advising, tutoring, career services and more.

This program offered by NECC is a great, and expense friendly way for students to get their college credits. The prices are very reasonable for students to take multiple classes, and Haverhill High students get the advantage of being able to take these classes completely free of charge. Not only are the classes themselves free, but materials, and even transportation are all paid for as well. “There’s probably hundreds of juniors and seniors at Haverhill High that take part in the program, so it’s great that we get all of our books and other needs paid for,” says Daniel Connors, a senior at Haverhill High School who is currently enrolled in the early college classes, “It really is an amazing offer for high school students.”

Connors also talks about how the classes differ from his classes taken at the high school. “The classes are a lot more work than high school, so I take them a lot more seriously,” he says.

Shayla Igloe, a junior at Haverhill High, speaks highly of the program as well. Igloe adds on to Connors comment saying, “It is definitely teaching me independence when it comes to staying on top of assignments.” Both students agree that the program can be difficult at times, but they are always offered help. ”

The professors are extremely helpful when it comes to reaching out if you need help on assignments, whether it’s through email or in person,” says Igloe, “They are definitely on top of keeping us on track.”

The early college program at Northern Essex has a positive reputation amongst high school students in the surrounding areas, and lends a helping hand in improving their education. Igloe closes off the interview expressing her gratitude, “I’m glad I’m saving so much money by doing this and it just feels good to have an early start on my future.”

Arts and Entertainment, Home Page News Bytes

Course offers glimpse into world of graphic novels

 

Every few semesters at Northern Essex, a Graphic Novel class is offered to students who are looking for a class to fill a writing intensive course requirement.  Over the course of the semester, students will be required to read graphic novels and complete responses in which they will bring into class after reading the specific graphic novel assigned and participate in a discussion session on that particular graphic novel.

This class is usually taught by Professor Ginger Hurajt and consists of reading and discussing about 6 graphic novels over the course of the semester and be required to write a script for a short 1-to-2-page comic, draw a 1-to-2-page comic after swapping with someone else, and complete your own comic autobiographical comic that is at least 3 pages long.

This semester students read graphic novels such as Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, Maus by Art Spiegelman, The Sandman Volume 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman, Smashed: The Story Collection by Junji Ito, Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michaelangelo & Me by Ellen Forney and Oksi by Mari Ahokoivu.

When talking with a few students that took this class this semester, Dylan Oconnell and Alliyah Cuevas, they gave some insight as to what they liked most about this class.

When asked what their favorite graphic novel was throughout the semester in this class, Oconnell said, “Probably Oksi because there wasn’t really a lot of words to read and the pictures themselves were drawn with a lot of water color.”  In response to the same question, Cuevas said, “My favorite graphic novel was definitely Maus.  It gave me another perspective of the Holocaust by showing the devastating reality of survival and how loss and separation tore apart families.  It was very eye-opening to see the damage done to families and relationships as that perspective is never addressed in any history class.

When asked to give feedback on the course Oconnell said, “I think the course is good for people that are interested in art and reading because you get a bit of both in one class.”

When asked the same thing, Cuevas responded, “ I would say that the course was refreshing to take.  I like that there was a lot of focus on understanding the graphic novels as well as analyzing their art styles.  It was also nice to be able to make scripts and comics ourselves; it makes you realize how much commitment and energy it would take to create an entire comic book on your own.”

If you’re looking for courses to take and see that The Graphic Novel class is available to take that semester, consider looking into it for yourself.

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COG holds pet food drive

 

Most times when helping people the needs of their pets and the big roles they play in people’s lives are forgotten.

Professor Paula Richards from NECC is making sure these animals and their roles in our lives are not forgotten about by facilitating a pet food and supply drive.

Pets provide comfort and love for many people so it is important to make sure they are able to be properly taken care of.

When asked why the Pet food drive was created this is what she said: “Mid-spring semester I became the faculty advisor for the Community Outreach Group [Student Club] because it has always been my passion to facilitate ways for our NECC students to collaborate with community partner organizations. The Community Outreach Group student club participants explored ways to connect with our communities and make a meaningful difference by addressing a real need. Many of our community college students are parents, not only going to college but also working and caring for their aging parents while also raising their own children,” she said. “When people consider needs in our communities, the important role that pets have in people’s lives is sometimes forgotten. Pets provide solace and comfort, but caring for them can be expensive.”

The Pet drive is taking donations of cat and dog food, toys and other pet supplies. Richards and the Community Outreach Group are working in partnership with the Salisbury Council on Aging and Pawsitive Pantry. “Often for seniors in our communities, their pet might be their only consistent daily companion. This pet food/pet supply drive is especially for them [and their dogs or cats] in partnership with the Salisbury Council on Aging and Pawsitive Pantry,” said Richards.

Pawsitive Pantry is a nonprofit organization providing help for pets whose families are going through hard times. The pet supplies and food will be donated to Joanne’s Food Market, which is the pet supply pantry at the Salisbury Council on Aging’s Senior center.

“It was named after this long-time volunteer and advocate for seniors,” said Richards.

You can find the donation boxes on both the Haverhill and Lawrence campus in these locations from April 10-May 12: Haverhill Campus-NECC library lobby, Spurk lobby, D building lobby, 3rd floor elevator between B+E buildings. Lawrence Campus-Dimitry 1 st floor lobby, Dimitry 2 nd floor outside Dimitry Academic Center and ,El-Hefni Lobby near the Security Desk.

This pet drive not only supports the pets but also the seniors in our community. If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference in your community the NECC Community Outreach Group is a great place to start.

“This week we had our last Community Outreach Group [COG] meeting of the spring semester, but we will start again fresh in fall 2023 semester. The Community Outreach Group is an opportunity for students to make meaningful connections and explore ways to make a real difference in their communities. If NECC students or community organizations are interested in being involved in fall 2023, they can contact me, Prof. Paula Richards by email [prichards@necc.mass.edu]. Additional ways to help pets and their owners can be explored via this Pawsitive Pantry, visit pawsitivepantry.org.

News

Early College program offers opportunities to high school students

 

Going to college is an important step in many people’s lives.

The early college program at NECC gives high school students a head start on their future in college.

The early college programs gives students from Massachusetts a chance to take college classes while still in high school.

They are able to go off campus from their normal high school to take classes at NECC. The classes that they take at NECC will count as credit on their high school transcript but can also go to their college transcript.

“The Early College program helps students get an advance start on what college is all about. Students learn how to choose their schedule, talk to an advisor, expectations of a college course vs high school course, use the college resources such as tutoring, academic coaching, organization and self-advocacy with college professors. One Early College students graduate from high school they should know what college is all about and know which major they are interested, ” said Early College staff member Myrna Percibal.

The early college program is also helpful for high school students because they are able to test courses in majors that they are interested in before committing to a major in college to see if it is the right fit for them.

“In addition to the general education courses, you can also take courses that interest you to test the waters in a certain career option or to see if a particular field is right for you. These courses may transfer as well,” according to NECC.

Joining the NECC college program can also help future college students obtain scholarships for other colleges that they plan to go to after they complete the early college program.

“At NECC, we have several ways for you to get a head start on a degree. Starting early is smart – you can save money and time, get an early introduction to college life, and start investing in your future,” according to NECC.

Any high school student can be involved with Early College. The guidelines to be an Early College student is apply, assess and register. Once the student applies each EC student needs to choose a pathway. This will give us a better idea which courses the student can register. In order for a student to be part of EC the student has to show that they are ready for college courses. The assessment is a way to determine if they student qualifies and is ready in reading and writing at the or close to college level. If a high school student is a senior and they have a 2.75 GPA or higher the assessment is waived. Students that the assessment is waived will start with English Comp I and if they decide to take a math course the student can start with our first level college math course applied math or statistics depending on the students pathway, said Percibal.

To become apart of the early college program you have to meet with your high school guidance counselor to see if it is a good fit for you.

“We have three high schools that have our largest cohort at NECC. Haverhill High, Lawrence High and Whittier,” said Percibal. “Most of the students start as a junior and when they graduate from high school they graduate with 30 credits. This means that most of these students start as a sophomore at any college or universities that they decide to attend. The only advice I give all my students is that the Early college credits are transferable to any state of Mass universities or colleges. If it is a private or out of state school it will be under the schools discretion. In the most part most schools have accepted the credits but this is a conversation the student needs to have with the advisor.We have also have had seniors that have graduated from high school with their associates degree.”

 

Home Page News Bytes, News

NECC Public Safety hosts Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training

 

The NECC Public Safety recently held a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training for college staff. Officer Peter Sheldon led the CRASE workshop.

NECC Public Safety Officer Peter Sheldon stands in front of a classroom with desks and whiteboard in it.
Northern Essex Community College Campus Police Officer Peter Sheldon hosted the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events at the Lawrence Campus on Friday, April 28th. Photo by Luca Miller

Officer Peter Sheldon has been with Northern Essex since August 2022. Before joining the Northern Essex Community College Police Department, Sheldon served as a detective and training officer with the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department. Prior to that, Sheldon was a Trooper for the Maine State Police and served in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Sheldon is also an alumnus of Northern Essex, before he graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1994 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.

Northern Essex staff were invited to attend the workshop. The discussion centered around what steps should be taken to survive an active shooter event. The workshop is designed to “provide strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event,” as stated by the Northern Essex Center for Professional Development.

During the workshop, examples of active shooter events were addressed with learning moments. Topics also included how to set up a plan for civilian responses and how to manage stress during an active shooting event. Officer Sheldon emphasized how important it is for students and staff to know where their exits are in every room.

“Leave as soon as possible, know your exits, consider secondary exits, and call 911. Know what you would do during an event,” says Officer Sheldon.

Examples were shown in the workshop on what to do during the initial seconds and minutes of an active shooter event. Those who identified something was wrong and left the area were able to get out of the danger zone. This increased the survivability rate.

During a stressful event, one of the first things we do is deny. By denying that this is real, we don’t act fast enough. These seconds or even minutes could be crucial to evading the threat.

“If you know it’s gun shots, don’t deny that they are gunshots. Go to that deliberation phase, what am I doing next?” says Officer Sheldon.

The presentation created by Texas Tech emphasized that those who are involved in an active shooting event should run, hide, and fight in that exact order. The discussion emphasized that the first inclination should be to avoid the situation and run. The next step is to hide if there is no exit. The final option is to fight.

When the conversation shifted towards the effort to confront the attacker, it was stated that any means necessary should be utilized to stop the threat. Fire extinguishers, chairs, and office supplies can be used as a weapon to thwart the attacker’s ability to kill more victims.

“Shift your emotions, get angry. Understand the gravity of the situation when dealing with a determined person committed to killing you and the others,” emphasized Officer Sheldon.

Staff members were able to learn new ways to be able to survive an event like this. They learned ways to possibly barricade rooms or even fight.

When asked what the most important takeaway was from this workshop, they elaborated on new concepts and ways of thinking that they will leave this discussion with.

“The survivor mindset. Hiding and hoping isn’t going to work. You have to be determined that I am not dying. I am going to do everything in my power to get home to my family and even help others if I can,” says Erin Colstad, a Special Programs Coordinator here at the college.

Gina Kenney, an Assistant Programs Manager, echoed similar thoughts, “Avoid (run), Deny (hide) and Defend (fight).  I knew about blocking doors, but I didn’t know aside from large furniture, the other options.”

Other options included having people place themselves up against the door. Examples were shown that if multiple people were holding the door shut, a single attacker is not able to open the door and gain access to more victims.

The discussion then turned to the possibility of incorporating this workshop into the new student orientation during the fall. While the workshops are listed for staff, students are welcomed to this event according to Officer Sheldon. More information will be made available for student trainings.