For about a month, the ceiling inside Spurk building on the third floor has been nonstop leaking water. Buckets have been placed all over the hallways to collect the water. Staff and students are forced
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
to walk around the buckets making it hard to navigate the hall, especially for students with disabilities. The water leak has affected the Observer news room as well which has been recently fixed by
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Facilities.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Do you think Spurk building needs to undergo another renovation?
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
See the next edition of the Observer for more about the college’s infrascruture.
PACE TRIO staff and students at the Van Otis Chocolate Factory in Manchester, New Hampshire. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
On March 20, Northern Essex Community PACE TRIO program staff took some of their students on a double trip with the first visit at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, and then the second visit to the local Van Otis Chocolate store and factory.
The Graduate and Transfer Admissions Specialist of Southern New Hampshire University, Timothy Camerato had hosted the NECC PACE TRIO group.
SNHU host Timothy Camerato speaking to NECC PACE TRIO students and staff. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
The students were received with welcoming greetings and then given an informative walkthrough speech about the four-year colleges’ background, tuition, degrees and much more along with a power point presentation.
Robert Frost Hall on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezSNHU students’ projects displayed. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
“To be frank, I’ve always found that Northern Essex students are incredibly thoughtful and ask some of the best questions. The information session I give is actually built around questions I’ve received from Northern Essex students in past years. I also chatted with our tour guides after you left, and they had the nicest things to say. I personally think they enjoy talking with students who have some college background and are going through some of the same experiences — stressing over midterms, looking forward to spring break,” he said in an email interview with The Observer.
NECC PACE students enjoyed the tour of the over 300 acre university and some shared their thoughts about the school.
Students’ hang out spot “The Living Room” at SNHU.e speech on the bus. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezPACE TRIO staff on Van Otis chocolate factory tour. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezOne of the SNHU student study area. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezPACE TRIO staff and students shopping inside Van Otis chocolate store. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
“I would apply to go here. I like the facility, the dorms, the athletic center and facility that the athletic department has. I also like the fact that everything is close to each other. I like that the university includes a kitchen for students to use as much as they want,” said NECC PACE student Cristian Moscat.
PACE TRIO staff on Van Otis chocolate factory tour. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezPACE TRIO staff on Van Otis chocolate factory tour. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
During the visit to the Van Otis chocolate factory, NECC PACE staff and students got a behind the scenes tour, demonstrations, and the experience of making a treat which was a rice crispy dipped in chocolate and decorated with toppings of choice.
Should school introduce a new way to keep classes going during any kind of event or unexpected weather that forces the institution to close, should teachers start resorting to “zoom classes” especially during snow days?
Like the time of the Covid 19 pandemic, all classes were online?
Some teachers allow students to join the in-person class through zoom if they can’t make it or have a good reason for not being there in person.
Since the snow storms began back in January this spring semester, Northern Essex Community College hashad their full share in postponing classes, programs activities, meetings, events, and so much more.
This doesn’t always mean a break for students as some professors won’t extend due dates even if class was cancelled for a longer than usual period of time.
Complications do result from the stressed time and “classroom lag”, as it is important for in-person to meet every single time since not all courses use blackboard or bright space as a learning station but it is used for students to just turn in assignments.
While many students can relate that it is a struggle when in-person learning and interactions with their teachers and other peers does impact their overall grade and performance.
Nobody comes in a school already knowing what to do, rather they come prepared especially with the necessary materials if they have them.
Another problem that’s impacted many students is they lack the resources they need such as enough money to buy proper durable course materials including a reliable laptop.
What’s the point in receiving around three to four hundred dollars in financial aid and maybe a scholarship just to buy a refurbished laptop under two hundred fifty dollars that won’t last two even semesters but instead last six months or even less?
Then the burden of the not so expensive carry on computer becomes double when the device stops functioning.
Even visiting BOTH of the college campus librariesin Haverhill and Lawrence, all laptops that are for students to borrow are taken.
As things change throughout the semesters, it seems students are now allowed to take out laptops for the entire semester.
While it use to be that all borrowing students had to return the laptop within two to five days, this new plan does affect so many students like those who have emergencies.
This futility is seen as a depression where neither the money the student is receiving is going to a purpose that will help them and neither the school can help them when all other plans fail.
So then by the time the student may be very affected academically, it is a strive against the wind because it can be less likely that they will keep receiving financial aid or scholarships to help them receive money that they need.
Even the number of classes they take and programs they participate in can be limited.
NECC staff, students and other participants as a group at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Northern Essex Community visits the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. On Feburary 20, students, staff , and extra participants joined together for an exciting and educational visit to one of the most famous muesum’s.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Coordinated by the Associate Director of Lawrence Campus and Community Relations, Giselle Peguero Grullon and funded by the White Fund, the trip was led by former Lawrence High School Art teacher David Meehan.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
“Through the White Fund Enlightenment Series, NECC proudly brought our students, staff, and members of the Lawrence community to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to experience something truly special paintings from the White Fund collection currently on display at the MFA.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
This visit was more than a museum tour. It was a moment of connection and pride. Seeing works that belong to our community displayed in one of the world’s leading art institutions.
Bringing Lawrence residents into that space reinforces the mission of the White Fund: expanding access, deepening cultural engagement, and ensuring that world-class art is not distant, but shared.
When our community sees its legacy represented on such a stage, it affirms that these spaces belong to all of us.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
When asked, “Do you think that students are more engaged unto their cuccicular activities and academic works by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts?”
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezPhoto by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Meehan responds, “You can see how it relates to what you’re studying in school. It’s not the same as the pictures you see when reading in the textbooks, it’s better because you can see it in person.”
Winnie smiling during her birthday party. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
It’s a WinWin party at Northern Essex Community College! Winnie the school’s best friend had turned two on Feburary 13th, the same day her party was hosted in Lawrence Campus’ El Helfni building by Student Life. Excited and thrilled with the same emotions when she walks through the halls and sometime visits classrooms at both campuses, Northern Essex students, staff, and other friends gather to celebrate the school’s committed emotional support dog.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Being the school’s real mascot, Winnie receives a well-deserved pampering, pets, and treats from her party guests. Upon asking guest Arianna, “Do you think that the school has made a good decision in including Winnie as it’s emotional support dog?”, Arianna replied “One hundred percent, I want to see more of Winnie.”
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
NECC students aren’t the only ones Winnie is a support to, other programs who visit and work at food stops at NECC like the Opportunity Works groups and the Project Search kids that share a special bond with Winnie.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Carlysha Carcarrasquillo, coordinator for Project Search program shares a few words about Winnie.
“The dog impacts them during their work, Winnie really makes them happy. Sometimes they arrive to work having a bad day and as soon as they see Winnie, it lifts their spirit. So, Winnie is like our emotional support dog that has been very very helpful because it’s a therapy for them. We like taking her out, she’s like our very own pet. She’s special to NECC and Project Search as the interns look forward to spending time with her.”
NECC police Lieutenant Keith Walker who houses and takes care of Winnie answers to the question, “Is Winnie also an emotional support for you as well, during work and at home?”,
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Walker replies, “Yeah, we’re with each other twenty-four hours a day. A lot of people don’t see every aspect of what I see with her
Winnie enjoys a bone present. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
when I bring her home. She’s different than she is here. She ‘s playful, she loves to run. She loves to go to the beach and the trail.
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Meanwhile at NECC she’s on a leash for the case of if anyone’s allergic or scared of dogs,”
Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez
Northern Essex is proud of having such a bonding companion that brings the NECC community closer and puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Visiting tutors are on the average students to do list. Tutoring comes in handy when subjects can become difficult to understand or when assignments or homework that must meet specific requirements are a little more complex than expected. The NECC’s tutoring centers at both campuses in Lawrence and Haverhill do provide free services for all students during the semesters.
It is a good idea for students to take advantage of the one-on-one in-person help. Also available for students on Blackboard is ThinkingStorm, an academic support program that provides free online access to live, one-on-one assistance from trained and qualified tutors.
This is an easier service to use as it simply requires the student to submit their work and within 24 hours a tutor will review it and send it back to them.
This online tutoring service may be more convenient for many students who are taking online or hybrid classes.
The tutoring center has both staff tutors and peer tutors, being an academic support system by not just professional teachers or advisors but also encouraging student-to-student help. While many students take up the opportunity of this free service in-person or online when they can, it doesn’t mean that all students have the time for in-person help.
Some students may have limited access to the 24-hour virtual service due to non-sufficient access to internet outside of campus or at home. Having a time-management list and priority list is what every student needs in order to set their main tasks aside and get to them all in time, this can be beneficial in helping students get to other important things they should do aside from homework and studying, like stopping by the tutor center for an hour or more. A lot of times students may prioritize the wrong or less important things like hanging out with friends or watching their favorite TV show.
Studies have shown that making better decisions like substituting events or chores with homework and studying or sacrificing designated time for oneself or time for having fun with setting time to better one’s academic status.
Though some students may already be helping others through tutoring, I believe that a mentorship for all programs could be a big help in getting students on track and meeting their needs.
The college only has so many counselors and there aren’t enough advisors to attend to the many students that need to speak with or meet with them daily. If the college can come up with a program that allows for staff and students to pair up and mentor other students, I think it would really benefit and motivate students!
Northern Essex Community College recently welcomed staff and students to gather for a memorable event of acknowledging and sharing different international foods and music from different cultures.
International Flag & Food Fest, was held on the second floor of El Hefni Building in Lawrence Campus on November 18 from noon to 2 p.m.The event was hosted through a collaboration of some of the NECC staff including Maria Hernandez from the
There were foods from different cultures set up near different flags from different countries. Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia RamirezNECC students and staff trying foods from different cultures. Photo by Giselle Peguero
International Admissions, Giselle Peguero from the Community Relations department, Allison Gagne from Auxiliary Services, and Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus, vice presidentof the Lawrence campus andcommunity relations.
Information and descriptions were set up behind every platter along with a picture of the flag for each individual culture it originates from.
Winnie, NECC’s comfort dog supporting international exploration. Photo by Lidia Ramirez
Food served from different cultures were, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Turkish, Dominican, Ecuadorian, Italian, English, Moroccan, and more!What a taste of global flavors!
The evening ended with students and staff opting to give a speech on who they are and where they are from, including their culture backgrounds and how they evolved in the NECC community as students or staff.
In these days that are difficult to deal with, there remains the concerns of food insecurity as the recent government shutdown threatened from the troubles within the federal system in the U.S. and the potential future impacts it may have on federal funded programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, that helps low-income families by providing monthly benefits to buy food.
Yet there are other things that can be considered a useful idea that contribute to the need for food for students, accommodation or accessibility within the college.
As you know, it is important for students to have enough food and receive the necessary amount of nutrients both at home and in campus to perform well in schoolwork and all other curricular activities.
Some community colleges offer free meals to their students.
While ideas are being sought at Northern Essex Community College for a backup plan for food emergencies, we could consider more broad ideas like free meals for students at the campus. Some community colleges like The White Mountains Community College offer programs like Meals IncludED, that provides free daily meals for breakfast and lunch to their students and The Cabinet program is a pantry that offers students, staff and faculty free snacks, pre-packaged meals, and other grab-and-go items, according to the website for the college, www.wmcc.edu.
Already on the Northern Essex Lawrence Campus, we have a food pantry for students located in the Dimitry building. Recently, ideas for a second food pantry or food closet for the Haverhill Campus have pretty much become the most common idea communicated by students and staff.
I personally would propose the idea of another program that may or may not involve a free cafeteria but does provides free fresh cooked or cold meals.
It is understandable that financially we may not be able to make a cafeteria happen, but my idea is to introduce more ways that we can bring fresh meals to students on at least one of the campuses.
Maybe volunteers can cook, or students can run the program and the cooking with at least one staff or adviser just as students run The Observer Newspaper.
At first, I began to think about small ideas to make free ready hot meals possible. One idea would require a good cook volunteer, a room dedicated to the program with all the appliances, food items, dining dishes, etc.
Another small idea for free ready hot meals is a rice pot, where students can take as much rice as they want straight from a rice cooker, and another idea is toast in the morning that simply are available with a toaster ready for all to use with different varieties of bread.
The food can be sourced from donations or from the college food pantry.
Usually, the campuses have available snacks for students to grab and go through the different centers altrouhout the buildings and the food pantry that is accessible by appointment.
The kind of snacks and amount students can take are yet limited and the accessibility to the food pantry resource is more for at home food needs and is also limited on how many times a student can visit during a monthly period.
Meanwhile the student food vouchers are also limited and are currently only available to use at the UTEC food truck or the Perfect Blend Cafe in the Spurk building.
The food truck is only at Haverhill campus twice a month and at Lawrence campus twice a month or two Tuesdays a month for each campus.With the new NECC bookstore, students can also buy snacks meanwhile the selling of hot food is currently under negotiation, it will still cost students and or be available to buy just with the student food vouchers, which usually are never enough.
The important point is that not all students have the money or funds to pay for everyday breakfast and lunch. Even students that do have some money end up running out of it and are not able to pay for food during however many remaining days of the week or month. Our community is not meant to leave anyone in the struggle. We are a community that has the potential to come together and work out beneficial ways to succeed together.
Money could be used towards more convenient methods that save money and takes care of all students so that they do not have the financial burden on their stomachs which can impact their academic success.
We are in the times when a lot of strange changes are taking place in our country’s government offices.
In the power of the hands of the current U.S. president, the Trump Administration has indeed everything to do with these woes. Many federal aid and assistance programs have been impacted, paused, or completely stopped. Programs that help aid education, healthcare, housing, food, and more have been affected too.
Other victims like the Department of Higher Education, Havard, and the seven billion dollar Solar for All programs seem to be extreme priorities to either reduce or demolish.
WIC is one of the programs that was also impacted after being paused and later clarified to continue. It almost seems unreal the kind of targets and unreasonable actions against them.
The government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, but will begin taking effect in the month of November. It has reached everyone’s attention. This is the result of congressional failure of enacting funding legislation to finance the federal government before the fiscal year had begun. This significantly impacts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by stopping or reducing benefits and restricting or limiting eligibility requirements. This is impacting on students and staff at NECC who use this program.
Federal funding covers PACE TRIO program and if that gets interrupted or cut, students in the PACE TRIO program may be impacted.
Out of all the changes that the government system faces, NECC students should come together to develop ideas to support their needs and those of the NECC community.
It is important to remind students that the NECC provides food assistance including the Food Pantry in the Lawrence Campus, the Food Vouchers, and information for Community Resources.
Students can reach out to the Dean of Students, Jason Arey for any inquiries, concerns, ideas, or information, jarey@necc.mass.edu.
Fellow NECC students and staff, would you advocate for a second food pantry to be opened in Haverhill Campus?
Just as both Lawrence and Haverhill Campus have libraries, I think it would be easier for students if the Haverhill Campus also shares the food pantry even if the food amounts are divided.
For any students impacted by healthcare due to the federal changes, it is a good reminder that NECC has also partnered with TimelyCare to provide 24/7 virtual health and well-being platforms at no cost and no limit.
To access TimelyCare, students can go to TimelyCare.com/NECC or download the TimelyCare app from the app store to register using your NECC student email address.
NECC students and even staff find the bus shuttles very useful during all the busy school days throughout the semesters.
It has become a lifesaver for students that need to travel in between both Lawrence and Haverhill Campuses. The shuttles typically run every hour and even a few times in the late evening, picking up and dropping off students at both campuses.
Before Covid-19, students had to deal with the burden of using the city buses to get to either campus, which could make it complicated due to the prolonged time it took for the city buses to get to whichever campus. Students would arrive late to class and because of this some students would not register for classes in either the Lawrence or Haverhill campus. After Covid-19, the NECC bus shuttle was reinstated, making every student’s life easier. Thus, student life couldn’t be a happy one if the NECC shuttle wasn’t operating. Students’ academic success as well as activity and engagement has improved since the shuttles began running again. Here at NECC, we hope that they continue to operate for as long as the campus lives because IT IS a part of campus life and not only do students need it, but even some staff members use it if they need a lift.
One of the main thing’s students do consider is the size of the shuttles, usually most students say they prefer the shuttle that has more room, like the blue shuttle instead of the white athletic van. Though the shuttle has impacted student life significantly, several conflicts have presented and are possible to happen again like when too many students show up for the morning shuttle on the first day of school but don’t all fit in.
As morning classes are the fullest classes, it may not be surprising that many students plan to use the shuttle and show up for the shuttle to get to class or to get back. The question is, how would the driver know students’ schedules and or the number of students that will be taking the shuttle for each scheduled time?
One time at the beginning of the semester, too many students showed up in the morning to take the shuttle, but not all could make it to class because there was only a number of seats. Even though after that, the driver had arranged for back up shuttles, it is good to consider a better solution or ground communication plan so that extra shuttles that may not be needed, are not wasting gas, money, and time for drivers that do other jobs at the college.
What if the school could create an app that would contribute as a service to the shuttle for students and staff? It could allow for students to register for the shuttles each semester, reserve seats, notify the drivers of any changes like potential delays due to a meeting or class ending at the exact time the shuttle leaves the campus, etc.
It may also allow drivers to view the schedules of students who sign up so that drivers know how many students they may expect. It could serve to reach out or communicate with the driver in case a student is two minutes away from reaching the shuttle before it leaves. This way, students don’t miss the shuttle too.
I think it would be beneficial for the students for them to know when the shuttle is transitioning from campus to campus. I have no problem with an App that has a tracking device inside the shuttle as long as it is cost effective for the college.” Says Darren Stratton, who manages the coordination of the NECC shuttle transportation.
When asked, “Do you think that an App for the shuttle would help with things like improve communication with students and drivers?” Athletic director Dan Blair said, “I am not saying that the school shouldn’t nor that the school should create an App but if it does happen, it should be for more than just the shuttles.”
Students say the shuttle is a benefit to them.
“It saves us a lot of time, and we don’t need to use the public buses in Lawrence,” Says student, Melvin Perez.
“Not only are the drivers friendly but allows for me to save a lot of time, energy, money, and planning. It’s a huge conservation innovation, which is especially important for commuters nowadays.” Student Linda Valenzuela agrees.
Other students also agree that an NECC shuttle App is a good idea.
“It is a great idea because it will help students to get to class.” Says student, Jake Axford.
What other things could be considered if an app is created for students?In what other ways could NECC app serve both students and staff? For the protection of the drivers and students, what may be some policies that can be enforced by the school? For example, all seatbelts must be worn, forms should be signed, etc. Students may reach out to the studentgovernment@student.necc.edu.
a part of campus life and not only do students need it, but even some staff members use it if they need a lift.
One of the main thing’s students do consider is the size of the shuttles, usually most students say they prefer the shuttle that has more room, like the blue shuttle instead of the white athletic van.
Though the shuttle has impacted student life significantly, several conflicts have presented and are possible to happen again like when too many students showed up for the morning shuttle on the first day of school but didn’t all fit in.
As morning classes are the fullest classes, it may not be surprising that many students plan to use the shuttle and show up for the shuttle to get to class or to get back.
The question is, how would the driver know students’ schedules and or the number of students that will be taking the shuttle for each scheduled time?
One time at the beginning of the semester, too many students showed up in the morning to take the shuttle, but not all could make it to class because there was only a number of seats.
Even though after that, the driver had arranged for back up shuttles, it is good to consider a better solution or ground communication plan so that extra shuttles that may not be needed, are not wasting gas, money, and time for drivers that do other jobs at the college.
What if the school could create an app that would contribute as a service to the shuttle for students and staff?
It could allow for students to register for the shuttles each semester, reserve seats, notify the drivers of any changes like potential delays due to a meeting or class ending at the exact time the shuttle leaves the campus, etc.
It may also allow drivers to view the schedules of students who sign up so that drivers know how many students they may expect.
It could serve to reach out or communicate with the driver in case a student is two minutes away from reaching the shuttle before it leaves. This way, students don’t miss the shuttle too.
“I think it would be beneficial for the students for them to know when the shuttle is transitioning from campus to campus. I have no problem with an app that has a tracking device inside the shuttle as long as it is cost effective for the college,” says NECC’sDarren Stratton, who manages the coordination of the NECC shuttle transportation, drives a shuttle and is the head basketball coach.
When asked, “Do you think that an app for the shuttle would help with things like improve communication with students and drivers?”
Athletic director Dan Blair said, “I am not saying that the school shouldn’t nor that the school should create an App but if it does happen, it should be for more than just the shuttles.”
Students say the shuttle is a benefit to them.
“It saves us a lot of time, and we don’t need to use the public buses in Lawrence,” says student, Melvin Perez.
“Not only are the drivers friendly but allows for me to save a lot of time, energy, money, and planning. It’s a huge conservation innovation, which is especially important for commuters nowadays,” says student Linda Valenzuela agrees.
Other students also agree that an NECC shuttle App is a good idea.
“It is a great idea because it will help students to get to class,” says student, Jake Axford.
What other things could be considered if an app is created for students?
In what other ways could NECC app serve both students and staff? For the protection of the drivers and students, what may be some policies that can be enforced by the school?
For example, all seatbelts must be worn, forms should be signed, etc.
Students may reach out to the studentgovernment@student.necc.edu.
