All posts by Dylan Musgrave, Correspondent

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NECC students aren’t waiting around: Innovative services flourish during pandemic

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On March 24 at 12 p.m. Gov. Charlie Baker asked the whole state of Massachusetts to stay at home and not go out in public unless absolutely necessary.

Massachusetts residents, along with almost the entire United States, have been advised to stay at home for over a month, and wait till COVID-19 starts to slow down.  

“Waiting around really isn’t an option for me. My first job is temporarily closed, but I still needed money for weekly and monthly expenses,” said NECC student Cole St. Jean via Zoom interview.  “So I really had no choice, but to immediately start looking for another job at the worst time.  Luckily, I discovered an app called Instacart, and I’ve been working for them ever since.”  
Instacart is a grocery pick-up and delivery service that is used across the United States and Canada.  Employees receive a shopping list of items from the customer through the app.  Then they pick up the items from the grocery store and deliver them to the customer’s address.  The employees then receive payment and any tips through the app. Prior to the pandemic, Instacart was already a successful company that was slowly gaining traction throughout the United States and Canada.   
Another company that has experience an increase in consumer demand is DoorDash. DoorDash provides customers the ability to order and have takeout delivered to their address by an employee from company partnered restaurants via the DoorDash app.   
Companies like Instacart, DoorDash and video conferencing services like Zoom, have seen their success skyrocket due to the on-going pandemic.  
“Most of the people staying home, have really been trying to leave the house as least as possible.  But when they do leave the house it’s usually to run essential errands or get takeout or go to the grocery store.  With delivery service apps like DoorDash and Instacart, people can just safely order and receive their groceries and meals, while helping to lower the total amount of people going out in public,” said NECC student and DoorDash employee, Noah Beaulieau via Zoom interview. 
Another essential worker is NECC student Emily Costa, who works as a fry-cook at the 99 Restaurant, in Haverhill, Mass.  
 “I think these delivery services are a really good thing, because you’re keeping restaurants open, while also keeping the customers safe with contactless delivery,” said Costa via Zoom interview. 

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of challenges and obstacles, but it has also brought opportunity for NECC students as well as for most of the country. 

It has given people more time to spend with their families, allowed for more time to focus on schoolwork, brought even more time for passions and hobbies, and for some essential workers, even some time to focus on their jobs.  As long as we stay positive and make the best of our situation, we will keep thriving and soon enough be back to enjoying normal life.  

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Students continue to adjust to remote learning

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Patricia Gosselin photo

For most college students, on campus learning is the preferred    method of education, but due to the ongoing pandemic, students have now been forced to abruptly transition to remote learning.

“It definitely hasn’t been a smooth transition for me, this semester has been pretty tough.”  stated NECC student Ryan Perrault via Zoom interview. Many NECC students like Perrault are feeling overwhelmed, lost, and disconnected from their normal learning environment. 

For some NECC students like Lauren Thornhill, remote learning hasn’t been too difficult to adapt to. “Online learning is definitely different from learning in the classroom, but it’s also nice because I can work on assignments throughout the day,” she said.

“The best part is you can attend class and complete homework all while never having to eave the house,” Thornhill laughed via Zoom.   

For some couple students, factors outside of the classroom are the biggest challenge. Many businesses have been forced to temporarily or permanently close due to the ongoing pandemic, forcing many NECC students to stay home.  However, some NECC students have been considered “essential” workers, and have been forced to work more hours while juggling homework as well.

This is the current situation for NECC student Ally Farrah, who describes her current situation as a “true test of determination and self-discipline.” “

I’ve had a lot of homework lately, and my job has increased my hours due to being understaffed.  So with work and homework I’ve just been really tired and stressed out lately,”  said Farrah. 

Like Farrah, many NECC students can relate to the stress and exhaustion from balancing their school work and jobs. Despite the challenges they face, NECC students and staff have done an incredible job at showing true character and strength during these uncertain times. 

 

Sports

Student athletes hold onto optimism in a state of chaos

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Recently due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic, all activities, schools, and businesses not deemed essential have been cancelled and closed down till further notice.  These are all a part of our daily lives, and this is going to greatly affect the way we live until this situation starts to calm down. Most schools including NECC have now transitioned to online learning, but unfortunately sports were unable to do the same, and are now forced to be cancelled for the  rest of their season.  For student-athletes this is a dramatic change because they’re not only missing out on an on-campus education, but they’re also missing out on the opportunity to practice and compete for their school.

NECC student-athlete Tim Dodier gave an interview via cellphone and stated “We just have to stay optimistic right now, and hope for the best.  It’s tough with basketball because we don’t have access to the facilities or equipment that the school usually provides.  Which makes training at home a lot harder and it requires way more discipline. Unfortunately it’s the only thing we can all do right now to train and stay in shape.” Says Dodier.

Alex Montanez is the Over watch team captain for the NECC Esports team, and he had some positive things to say via cellphone regarding the cancellation of their season. “It’s unfortunate, we’ve all been working really hard and we were ready to compete in the playoffs.  But at the end of the day I’m just thankful for the friends I made, and the opportunity to play together as a team.”

The NECC Esports team had a very successful season and were about to enter the playoffs, but unfortunately they will have to wait until next season to compete again. Esports, Rocket League team captain, Christian Bova stated via Cellphone  “The outcome of this season was unfortunate, but at the end of the day we know we’re one of the best teams.  So now we have to let this motivate us to stay positive, work hard, and come back even better next year.”  Says Bova.

Many of the NECC student-athletes are staying dedicated, and resilient in the face of these challenging times.  Their hard work and commitment not only show their true character, but will also be rewarded with success once they begin competing again.