All posts by Kayla Slepoy, Correspondent

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Students react to potential changes to Twitter

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Across several mainstream media outlets it is reported that Elon Musk has purchased popular social media app, Twitter. Twitter is a social media platform designed in a way that allows users to post, like, and share short public messages called “Tweets.”

As many are aware, Musk is currently the wealthiest man on the planet with an estimated net worth of 219 billion dollars.

It can be anticipated that Musk, a self-proclaimed defender of free speech, will be making changes to Twitter’s user policies.
Local students react to this development.

A North Shore Community College student who wished to remain anonymous is welcoming the change. “I have always been a fan of Elon Musk. I don’t mean politically, but more what he’s done in technology. I think it will be interesting to see what he does with Twitter.”

When asked about his opinion on the possibility of censorship policies being changed, the source replied “I’m not too worried about it, but I do hope some policies will remain in place if it’s a matter of safety of course. I don’t really use Twitter so it doesn’t personally affect me.”

According to NPR, social media experts worry that if Musk relaxes restrictions, Twitter will be vulnerable to those who post misinformation, harass others, and pose threats to public safety, according to NPR. .
Elizabeth Callahan and Brandon McRae, both students at Southern New Hampshire University, share similar concerns.

“I think censorship policies that are put in place to protec people from predatory articles containing misinformation are important. Also, posts that are verbally abusive in nature should be censored as well. I hope that these policies don’t change. If they do, I think many people will leave the platform,” said Callahan.

McRae states “I’m all for freedom of speech and I think Musk is coming from a good place, but I also believe that if hate speech and other things like that are tolerated onTwitter then it will become a completely different social media site.”

When McRae is asked if he’ll continue to use Twitter he responded “I don’t use it frequently as is, but I would probably not use Twitter if it became a place where expressing bigotry was acceptable.

When discussing topics such as freedom of speech, fake news, and keeping citizens safe in a time where technological advancements have made harassment more common, it is important to carefully consider how these issues arise and what their relationship to social media is.

Controlling a universally used social media platform requires a strong sense of responsibility to the public.

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Students share advice on how to manage school/work balance

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According to the American Association of University Professors, a recent study revealed that 43% of full-time undergraduate students were also employed while enrolled in classes and 81% of part-time undergraduate students were employed while enrolled in classes.
It is common for college students to struggle when it comes to juggling time spent on assignments and their obligation to their jobs, according to AAUP.
Local students talk about what works for them in terms of mastering that balance and achieving success in this predicament.
College student Evan Hartman, of Lynn. shares his approach to making this dynamic work. “I have had to cut down on the days I work and have a flexible schedule. I do the work on my days off.”
When asked if his
pursuit of education was something that he shared with his employer, Hartman responded “my employer does not know that I’m currently working on education. You only really want to let your employer know if it benefits them. Because I’m studying something different it would not benefit them and also signals that I’m planning on leaving. Every employer needs to think you are playing for their team.”
Another local college student, Rachel Myers, of Lowell, shares this sentiment.
“I rely on my job for income, but for the most part I keep my educational goals private. I am not sure that my job would be accommodating if I needed time off to study. My job expects me to make work the number one priority.”
Myers recommends students work jobs with flexible schedules in order to maneuver both responsibilities.
“It’s good to have a job that already has a flexible schedule and coworkers who are open to switching shifts if something comes up with school or you just need extra time to study. My advice to new students would be to make sure that their job isn’t too demanding.”
Alexis Fields, a student from Springfield, shares how she copes with the stressors associated with an overloaded schedule.
“I try to make time for myself when I can. I write lists and make goals so I finish assignments on time. I also try to create a lighter schedule for myself around finals if possible.”
In a perfect world, students would be able to participate in their education free from any other distraction or commitment, but the reality is that most of us cannot.
Life has other demands that we must meet.
Hartman shares that it can be difficult, but nevertheless he has advice for prospective college students who plan to work while they take courses:
“I would say don’t take a whole pile of courses in the beginning.
“Ease into it. Education is a journey not a destination. Do what works for you.”

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Students speak out about war in Ukraine

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The on-going conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been well-documented by several high-profile media outlets. Many Americans feel compelled to share their disapproval of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with Ukraine from afar.

Local college students share their perspective on the war and elaborate on their understanding of the conflict occurring abroad.

Nicole Smith Discusses her feelings and understanding of what’s happening overseas.

“It’s awful. I don’t watch the media often. I get bits and pieces and what I hear from it is upsetting. I do know that innocent people are suffering.”

Smith goes on to explain that she’d need more information before determining the best course of action in terms of finding a solution to this conflict.

“The situation is extremely complex. I would have to research further and contemplate possible solutions and outcomes.”

Another local student, studying Biotechnology, Sarita Sanchez, shares a similar sentiment to Smith in regard to understanding the gravity of the war in Ukraine.

“I don’t think there is a thorough understanding- one it’s dangerous to be in Russia and Ukraine for reporters to fully describe what is happening and two I think it’s hard to wrap our minds around why anyone would entice violence like this on innocent people.”

Despite Sanchez’s mention of the barriers and challenges reporters abroad may face when getting news to United States citizens, she shares some possible tactics to resolve this conflict.

“Overall, some solutions might involve: eliminating nuclear weapons, preventing the practice that one leader can be in office for so many years and have the ability to make decisions that directly kill innocent people, regulate military activities, and full support of Ukraine from all countries regardless of political agendas.”

Craig Sullivan, a horticulture major, shares “what the Ukrainian people are suffering at the hands of Putin is unfathomable. I can’t imagine living with that fear and uncertainty.”

Sullivan also admits his lack of total understanding regarding the war “I feel I know only the information that’s been given to us through media outlets. I don’t have any first-hand or inside knowledge, but I know that it has been a long-standing conflict between the two countries.”

The general consensus amongst the three college students is that despite there being a lack of understanding of the politics behind the war in Ukraine, what is occurring is deplorable and the people of Ukraine are suffering immensely.

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Behind the scenes essential workers share their experiences during height of pandemic

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As the Covid-19 pandemic began, many people were deemed heroes as the public watched emergency room doctors, nurses, and first responders work tirelessly throughout the pandemic beginning in 2020 to present.

There are endless accounts of the bravery and perseverance that these essential workers exhibited. The dedication to their careers and adherence to their sworn oaths proved honorable beyond belief as they navigated through a time which many would consider agonizing and even traumatic.

However, there are several lesser-known occupations that were deemed essential also. People in these industries too, took substantial risks working through a global health crisis. Three local essential workers shed light on their occupations and why they uniquely qualify as working essential jobs.
David Sweet, a Senior BioProcess Specialist employee at Bristol Myers Squibb in Devens, MA described why his job was considered essential.

“I work in BioPharma in the large-scale commercial production of therapeutic proteins for various human diseases. My job position is considered essential because patients depend on the medicines for survival and quality of life. Global inventory supply would be greatly affected if we weren’t operating the process to manufacture them.”

Production of life-saving medications is crucial, especially during a health crisis. Sweet continues on to describe his experience working in-person when exposure risks were high.

“New company policies were set in place at the onset of the pandemic with regard to personal spacing and the use of face masks.”

According to Sweet, employees still take part in these practices today. In addition to these precautions, Sweet described additional safeguards his company has implemented to keep its employees safe.

“Weekly communication from our site leaders and company senior management provide us with updated company policies.” Similar to those working in a medical setting, Sweet described being accustomed to using PPE. “Because the nature of my job involves working in a clean room setting, I am required to, and used to wearing full PPE, including face masks for the duration of my shift.”

Sweet’s work in pharmaceuticals plays a vital role in maintaining public health; especially in the midst of a health emergency that spans world-wide.

Tyler Slepoy, a Marblehead, MA municipal employee, working in arboriculture and urban forestry on the North Shore, compared the safety risks of working through the pandemic to the risks that already come along with his line of work. “My occupation remains one of, if not the most, dangerous job in the country, with the highest fatality rates. While I would have felt safer health-wise remaining home, I understood why that was not always possible.”

Slepoy shares why his job was deemed essential work. “My work ranges from standard tree care; which is pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding to emergency storm work; which is clean up of fallen or damaged trees and limbs due to inclement weather or accidents. It would not be possible to work remotely in my industry. We need to be physically present. Especially when microbursts, nor’easters, and heavy winds occur. Oftentimes trees fall on cars, houses, and into public roadways and must be cleared immediately.”

In an area prone to severe weather such as New England, Slepoy’s occupation is certainly a necessity.

Another essential worker conveyed the importance of her job, especially during Covid-19 surges. Alyce Slepoy, an Occupational Therapy Assistant working in Lynn, recalls somber moments where she felt called to provide emotional support to her patients. “I knew that it was very important to my patients for me to be there for them and at times holding hands because their loved ones weren’t allowed to come in and be with them.”

Slepoy was asked whether or not she agreed that her job should’ve been considered essential; she responded “I do agree. The elderly population still needed to be cared for on a daily basis and with staffing so short in that type of facility and because of the setting – we lost a lot of lives! It is by far the saddest time I’ve lived through.”

Exposure and transmission rates can be high in a medical setting. When asked if she felt safe continuing to work during the pandemic, Slepoy stated “I would be lying if I told you I felt safe during the pandemic. It was a very very very scary time. I was probably up every night worrying about bringing the virus home to my family and my loved ones. I was saddened by the fact that I couldn’t see my grandchildren or children for months. I do believe my family was afraid of what I would bring home to
them as well and I couldn’t blame them.”

Despite these drawbacks, Slepoy remained loyal to her patients and career throughout these trying times. “I did not prefer to be
home. I knew I needed to be where my job was.”

 

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Local parents, teachers and students see some silver linings in remote learning

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The pandemic has transformed the way we live in almost every way imaginable.

Communication, learning, socializing, and working are all aspects of our lives that have undergone drastic changes throughout the last couple of years. While many government and health officials have expressed that these times are unprecedented and the challenges we’ve endured have been difficult to cope with at times, some members of our community have made positive observations throughout a time of turmoil.

Melissa Pothier, a nursing student and health care worker living on the North Shore, shares that “the situation brought tenacity, resilience, perseverance, bravery, and new perspectives. “

Pothier states “the optimism is just related to completing the goal. Nothing to do with covid related optimism as covid has been a mess, hopefully things will continue to get better.”

In terms of remote learning, Pothier did not recall having any difficulties. “I didn’t find any challenges to remote learning and I actually liked learning at home,” she said.

Jacqueline Sweeney, an educator in the Haverhill public school system, described how her students dealt with the transition to remote learning in the past and how they are doing today with the adjustment back to in-person learning.

“The students who attended remote learning every day and have consistent attendance are doing OK. Last year, we were hybrid and also had a remote learning academy. I see the biggest deficits with the students who were remote all year and had poor attendance with remote schooling,” she said.

According to Sweeney, attendance is a major contributing factor when it comes to a student’s success, especially with remote learning.

When asked whether she thought remote learning opportunities are beneficial and should be widely available under any circumstance or if they should only be only used on an as-needed basis Sweeney responded “This is a tough question. On one hand, I think that if a student is going to be out for an extended period of time, having them complete some lessons remotely is beneficial. But, having the teacher work with a student online and students in person is not beneficial to any students. I think it is beneficial is the family is involved and on board. If they are not, then it does not work well. This is purely from the academic standpoint. I do not think that this opinion applies to the social emotional well being of the kids. Many children have forgotten how to interact with other children and are struggling with making friends. Overall, I do not think that remote learning opportunities are the way to go for public schools.”

In Sweeney’s opinion, remote learning serves a purpose depending on the circumstances.

Nadia Slepoy, a mother residing in Lynn, Massachusetts, shares similar views about remote learning availability. “As a parent I think remote learning has opened a new way of schooling, it should be given as an option for children that thrive in that kind of setting. The only downside would be the social aspect of going to school, and school being a safe place for a lot of kids.”

Both Slepoy and Sweeney share concerns about social well-being with remote learning.

Slepoy goes on to share how covid precautions have affected her 4 year-old daughter’s school experience when asked about how her daughter handles wearing a mask in class. “My daughter was very young when the pandemic started and she had an adjustment period where she’d try to remove it often. Now it’s just a new norm and she doesn’t mind it all.”

Mask mandates, pool testing, and hygiene protocols are some examples of covid precautions put in place by school systems since the beginning of the pandemic. Despite the challenges that accompany remote learning, Sweeney shares a positive outlook on what has occurred for her as a result of these difficult times.

“I honestly think that it has made me a better teacher. I have been forced to make my lessons more concise and targeted, to ensure that students at home would be able to do their work and understand. During our hybrid time, we also had remote Wednesdays. This was excellent because it gave time for me to do a book study with my colleagues on the Science of Reading. It was also time to receive additional trainings. There was also a huge focus on Social Emotional Learning and building relationships. This helped me to develop deeper relationships with my students.”

From a parent’s point of view, Slepoy is also able to put a positive spin on her experiences.

“The pandemic changed the way we view illnesses- my daughter now loves learning about the science behind all this, and it showed us how easily our every day life can change. It brought a lot of challenges for everyone, and navigating through the constant changes took a toll on our physical and mental health. I think the silver lining is that no matter how difficult and unprecedented times are, better days (similar to pre-covid) are coming and hopefully this turns into an endemic very soon.”