All posts by Jessica Cabrera, Correspondent

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Hope and help for the holidays: NECC’s mental health resources for students in need

 

With the holiday season approaching, many college students are feeling the weight of added stress, juggling end-of-semester exams, family responsibilities, and financial concerns. 

For students dealing with anxiety and depression, this time of year can be particularly challenging. Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offers a range of mental health resources aimed at supporting students through these pressures, providing a foundation for those who may feel overwhelmed during this season.

Across the United States, college students are grappling with an unprecedented mental health crisis. 

According to the Healthy Minds Study, 37% of college students report symptoms of anxiety, and 44% report symptoms of depression. Additionally, 15% of students have seriously considered suicide within the past year. 

These numbers highlight a growing need for mental health support, intensified by academic pressures, financial responsibilities, and social demands. 

With the added stress of the holiday season, many students face unique challenges balancing family expectations and academic obligations.

At NECC, these challenges resonate with a diverse student population, many of whom balance their studies with work and family responsibilities. 

The college’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers a range of resources to support students’ personal, social, and academic well-being. 

These services include short-term individual counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources for extended care. 

All services are confidential, free, and accessible to students on both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses.

NECC’s mental health services extend beyond counseling. 

The college provides proactive support through workshops and group sessions designed to help students develop essential coping skills and build resilience. 

Topics include stress management, relationship skills, and managing anxiety relevant tools for students facing the demands of college life. 

“Workshops cover topics such as stress management and relationship-building, equipping students with practical strategies for day-to-day challenges,” according to the NECC Counseling Services website.

As part of its commitment to creating a supportive environment, NECC also offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to faculty, staff, and students. 

This program equips participants with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. 

Since launching the initiative, over 130 faculty and staff members at NECC have become certified in MHFA, strengthening the college’s support network. 

Through MHFA, NECC is empowering its community to assist students in need, aligning with a broader trend in higher education where colleges are training faculty and staff as “first responders” for mental health.

The college’s workshops and events address a variety of stressors. Programs such as National Depression Screening Day, sleep clinics, and anxiety awareness sessions offer students tools to manage mental health concerns, especially during high-stress times like finals and the holiday season. 

These workshops provide practical strategies for handling everyday challenges and create opportunities for students to connect with others facing similar issues. 

NECC’s Counseling Services highlights these sessions as a way to “help students learn coping mechanisms and build a network of peer support.”

NECC’s approach to mental health involves faculty, staff, and peer mentors, who play a key role in supporting students. 

Faculty members and peer mentors are encouraged to recognize signs of distress, such as changes in attendance or academic performance, and to guide students toward available resources. With MHFA-certified faculty and staff, NECC fosters a community where more individuals are prepared to assist students in distress. 

This collaborative approach reflects a growing trend among colleges to address mental health collectively, with community members trained to act as the first line of support.

As NECC continues to expand its support for student mental health, the college is also cosponsoring a valuable event for the community. 

On November 19, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Haverhill campus, TC103, NECC, in partnership with NAMI Northeast Essex and the Essex North DMH site board, will host a panel discussion titled “Mental Health Through the Lens of Education: Success at College is Possible.”

This free workshop invites students, families, educators, and anyone interested to hear stories of hope and resilience. A panel of staff, faculty, and students will share insights on navigating educational challenges, accessing accommodations, planning for the future, and knowing when to seek additional support. 

Local mental health organizations will also be present with information on available services, making this an opportunity for attendees to connect with resources beyond the campus.

The event is open to everyone, including high school and college students, veterans, individuals with lived experience, and mental health providers. For more information, contact jfortna@necc.mass.edu. 

Through partnerships like this, NECC reinforces its commitment to creating a supportive and informed community, empowering students to pursue their educational goals regardless of mental health challenges.

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Tech made to think?

 
How AI is shaping student learning

Students at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to support their studies, raising questions about whether these tools are enhancing their learning or simply doing the thinking for them.

Eighty-six percent of students globally use AI regularly, with 66% specifically utilizing tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, write essays, and get quick feedback, according to the Digital Education Council. While convenient, this growing reliance has sparked concern among educators who wonder if students are truly learning or just outsourcing their cognitive work.

Devan Walton, an assistant professor of computer science at NECC, provided insights on the evolving role of AI in education. “Students have easy access to AI, and it can help them with everything from math homework to essay writing,” Walton said. “But what happens to learning when students rely too heavily on technology? It risks disincentivizing the effort needed to truly understand subjects.”

Walton noted that the integration of AI has pushed teachers to rethink their approaches. “Teachers are still trying to understand how students use AI so they can adapt their curriculums in ways that continue to foster genuine learning,” he added.

Beyond its impact on learning, AI brings up concerns about privacy and authenticity. Walton pointed out that while some educators use AI detection tools to spot AI-generated work, these tools are not foolproof. “These detection tools can produce false positives, putting students in a tough spot, which is why I advise teachers to use them cautiously,” he said.

When thoughtfully integrated, Walton believes AI can be a valuable classroom tool. However, he cautions against over-reliance, particularly as many students may not realize how much data AI-enabled devices collect. “AI is embedded in so many aspects of daily life, often without users’ full awareness of how much data is tracked,” he said, underscoring the importance of informed technology use.

The question remains: will NECC students and educators find a balance between leveraging AI’s potential and preserving the integrity of learning? While AI tools can undoubtedly help students succeed, they can also lead to over-reliance if not used responsibly. As Walton put it, “AI can support learning, but it’s up to students to make sure they’re still doing the thinking.”

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Latino evolution

 
Student reading a book in the library about Hispanic/Latino history in the US
Observer Editor-in-Chief Daniela Valdivia-Terres looks for information about Latino identities in the Hispanic Heritage Month display at the library on the Haverhill campus. Photo credit by Laura Mondt, NECC instruction and research librarian

Hispanic Heritage Month sparks discussions

As Northern Essex Community College (NECC) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, students and staff reflect on how breaking generational cycles can empower future generations. With 47% of its student body identifying as Hispanic, NECC is fostering conversations about identity, tradition, and the pressures young Latino individuals face as they navigate evolving cultural values.

“Sin profecía el pueblo se desenfrena; Mas el que guarda la ley es bienaventurado,” reads Proverbs 29:18, a verse often quoted in Latino communities. It translates in English “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he,” according to the King James version of the Bible. It speaks to the importance of vision and guidance as cultural landscapes change. For many, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a celebration of the rich history of Latino communities but also an opportunity to engage in conversations about moving away from traditions that no longer serve younger generations.

Juana E. Zapata, of the Latinx Center for Empowerment in Lowell, emphasized the importance of addressing outdated traditions that no longer fit modern life. “Many of us grew up with traditions that no longer fit our lives today,” Zapata said. She pointed to the use of the “chancleta,” a tool for discipline in many Latino households, which she says is now being questioned by younger generations.

Zapata added that respect is still valued, but the methods of teaching it might need to evolve. “In our culture, respect is often expected, especially from children, without a lot of room for dialogue,” she said. “But today’s generation is pushing for a culture of understanding and openness.”

Yadalee Peña, a 17-year-old student from Greater Lowell Technical School, echoed this sentiment. Peña noted the challenge of balancing cultural pride with the desire for change. “Hispanic Heritage is important to me,” she said. “I love that it shows off my culture, but some traditions feel burdensome, especially when they impact mental and emotional well-being.”

Peña’s reflections illustrate the generational divide many young Latino individuals face. While they want to honor their heritage, they also question whether certain cultural practices, such as family rituals after a death, remain necessary.

Maria Hernandez, Director of International Student Support and Special Populations at NECC, emphasized the complexities surrounding Latino identity in a thought-provoking manner. “Who am I?” she asked, highlighting the challenge of defining what it means to be Latino or Latina in today’s world. “Are we even a race? How can we be categorized as one when we are so many things?”

Hernandez also discussed the origins of Hispanic Heritage Month, which was first established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 as a week-long celebration. It was expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The celebration coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, marking shared heritage, but Hernandez noted that Hispanic Heritage Month is also an opportunity to engage in difficult conversations about identity and tradition.

“How do we get more Latino students involved?” Hernandez said. “How do we create a movement that draws them in, makes them feel connected, and shows them the power of their collective voice?”

Both Hernandez and Zapata emphasized the role of organizations like the Latinx Center for Empowerment in creating a sense of community. The center, based in Lowell, offers services like translation, English classes, and access to immigration lawyers. “Our goal is to help our community grow while honoring where we come from,” Zapata said.

Reflecting on the future, Zapata believes that while change is necessary, the positive aspects of Latino culture should be preserved. “We must evolve, but we can still hold onto the values that bring us together our love for family, our strong sense of identity, and our history,” she said.

Hernandez agreed, noting that the key to progress lies in dialogue and education. “Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us to celebrate our culture, but also to challenge generational cycles that may no longer serve us,” she said. “These tough conversations can spark the kind of change that empowers future generations.”

Before the conversation ended, Hernandez offered a hopeful message: “Stay tuned.”

Her words serve as a reminder that these discussions are just the beginning, and that the path forward is full of possibility for deeper dialogue and greater unity.

As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, it’s an ideal time for the NECC community and beyond to come together, reflect, and celebrate the richness of our culture. Let’s continue the conversations about our shared heritage, identity, and the beauty of our traditions.