All posts by Mariam Saldivar, Campus Life Editor

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COVID vaccine mandate

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As yet another semester begins, COVID continues to ravage our world.

At the start of the fall semester, many colleges and universities around the nation including Massachusetts have made the vaccine mandatory in order to return to class. However, NECC has taken a slightly different route. The college announced that vaccines would not be mandatory until January 2022. NECC continues to engage and encourage every student and faculty member to get vaccinated before then.

When it comes to the vaccine, Erica Schwane an art student, believes it should be mandated.

She says, “Yes, for the safety of students and staff. Not like schools having vaccine mandates is a new concept anyway.” Schwane goes on to say, “On one hand, it almost feels as if NECC is falling behind considering other schools have already implemented vaccine mandates.” She continues, “We’ve had the vaccine long enough where if a school decided to allow in-person classes already after the vaccine was released, then it should have been mandated already.”

Zachary Cutter, a journalism student, doesn’t necessarily agree that NECC is falling behind in some way.

“No, I don’t think so but better safe than sorry.” He says.

Many other colleges and universities have been adamant about the mandates, in order to keep students safe and return to a deeper level of normalcy. However, Cutter says that “most students may adapt.”

For more information on the NECC coronavirus response, including guidelines for visiting both campuses and other pandemic related policies, visit https://www.necc.mass.edu/public-safety/coronavirus-information/ .

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Spring semester comes to an end

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The spring semester is nearing it’s end, and finals are just on the horizon. Students give their opinions on how the semester went and their experience.

Sarah Sanford who is studying English at NECC says that the semester went by really quickly. She says, “I would rate it an eight out of ten.”

For her the semester was easier to cope with considering there was a year to adjust.

She adds that for the most part teachers did a good job as well when it came to giving enough time for the students to complete their assignments.

Her anxiety was also kept to a minimum and enjoyed all her classes. Her only worry was that classes would remain online for longer. She finishes off by saying, “Personally the professors were open minded… They gave me extensions and even encouraged me to reach out to them.”

However the semester wasn’t the same for everyone.

Nisaly Gonzalez, who is studying liberal arts at NECC.

She on the other hand rates the semester a six out of ten.

Nisaly says, “It was difficult for me to focus unfortunately.” She felt as if at times teachers weren’t all that fair with the amount of assignments given.

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Spreading Alzheimer’s awareness in the community

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The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with NECC to spread awareness about Alzheimers.

The association is inviting NECC, students and their families to participate in an event called, “Know The 10 Signs of Alzheimers.”

The event will be held over a webinar and will be hosted both in Spanish and in English. The event for Spanish speakers will take place during the 26th of April at 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The event for English speakers will take place during the 27th of April at the same time.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers many other services.

Leonor Buitrago, an employee who works for the association says, “We offer educational talks in Spanish about the disease and about care in the different stages of the disease.”

The association also offers support groups, family consultation services, and many more services as Leonor Buitrago told me.

Caroline Hamilton who is studying psychology at NECC, says that she hasn’t given Alzheimer’s much thought since her family doesn’t have any genetic predispositions to it.

However she did say, “I think the public should be well informed on these types of issues.” She added that it was important to understand those issues and the challenges faced by those who have Azlheimers.

Sarah Sanford, another student who is majoring in writing at NECC says that NECC could benefit from events like this to help themselves out and their family members. “I think NECC should have more events like this,” she added.

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Registration for summer, fall begins at NECC

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Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now open at Northern Essex Community College.

The school is offering many different options for classes.

There will be in person classes, only for health and stem classes unless the pandemic improves as stated on NECC’s website. There will be online classes, online classes with required zoom meetings and hybrid classes. This time students have more range to pick what suits them.

Caroline Hamilton who is studying psychology at NECC says that she is registering for the fall semester. She was aware of all the different options.

Hamilton says, “I think the options of classes are good because they allow for face to face interaction for students and their peers.” She also said that the new options will add structure and new ways of learning during the pandemic.

Jocelyn Avila-Frias, another student at NECC says she is registering for the summer semester.

She praised NECC and said, “I do think they did a great job in giving us so many different options.”

Avila-Frias said she though that it will better complement the many different students at the school.

It is still not entirely clear if by Fall, we will return to normal.

Recently there have been spikes across the USA due to recent events like Spring Break.

What will occur if more classes are in person comes into question, however Hamilton and Avila-Frias express confidence.

Hamilton said, “I don’t have many concerns.”

In the end she believes the classes will benefit people who are tired of online classes.

 

 

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Reflecting on a year of COVID

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In March of 2021 the anniversary of the first lockdown came about, and more specifically the first time since NECC shut down and changed the format to online learning. Students reflect on the past year.

Nisaly Gonzalez, who lives in North Andover and is studying Liberal Arts in NECC says that many things have not changed.

“It feels kind of hectic and it’s hard to focus when you’re not in class.”

She also expressed feelings of burnout and wished Spring Break could have been spent fully without any assignments. She adds that being at home most of the time in order to be precautious doesn’t help the burnout. “It can get overwhelming.”

Others feel the same. Erike Schwabe, 23, from Methuen who is studying Art in NECC says, “Doesn’t feel that great that’s for sure.” During such isolating times, many have had their mental health at stake as well.

Schwabe says that when things return to more social settings, “It’s gonna be a bit nerve wracking to adjust.” Just like Gonzalez, she experienced the same feelings of burnout.

After a year however some students have found actions and advice that actually help with the stress and burnout. Gonzalez, for example, says that time management is key.

Schwabe says, “You shouldn’t beat yourself up for not getting as much stuff done as you think you should be.”

She adds that although we are at home for the most part, we still experience stress and our bodies still need rest. “We’re only people, afterall!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Students engage with Black History Month through African dance class

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On Feb. 24, students gathered through Zoom to meet with Bisi from Izizwe Dance Studio, stationed in Lawrence Massachusetts. The goal was to learn more about Black History Month and culture. Students learned different dance moves and routines while the cheerful and traditional music played.

Stephanie Haskell, the student life coordinator explains more about how the event came to be. With the help of Maria Hernandez, the international student coordinator, the plan became a reality. She says that things needed to be different from the normal lecture or a movie, and so she asked herself, “What can we do that is interactive?” She gained inspiration from other colleges and her Haitian friends.

Haskell  thought it was a great way to experience the culture, and students agree.

A student at NECC called Emma Atwood, age 20 who is studying criminal justice says, “The reason I joined this event is because I love getting involved in all virtual events that NECC has to offer.” She expressed that she feels as though she learned a lot about African culture.

Atwood said the same ideas Haskell shared about making events more interactive. She said, “All the events held are through zoom so there’s not many active activities that can be done.” She mentioned how in the past NECC held virtual yoga and zumba. “I definitely think we should have more events like this!”

To any students still hesitant to join events and that feel shy, Atwood said “Join as many events as you can! You’re gonna meet some of the best staff and classmates at NECC!”

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Students connect through art club

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On the cold night of February 10, students turned on their computers and met through the familiar Zoom to have the Art Club meeting. The club is still fairly new, it’s beginning dates back to November of the past fall semester.

A portion of the meeting consisted of what one would expect. The students introduced themselves, and there were discussions about prior meetings, the overall structure of the art club, and upcoming events like the deadline for the Parnassus Magazine. Then the mood changed, and students began to converse. The smiles were apparent and the conversations seemed to be free, and light hearted. The atmosphere was a soothing one.

Blake, 16, who currently has no major but is dual enrolled at NECC states that they have been meeting with the club ever since the beginning. They state they first got involved only because someone they knew asked them to. However the first meeting changed everything for them. “I loved the people who signed up and really enjoyed the things we did.” The club has also come in handy during the isolating times of the pandemic. Blake states, “It’s nice to meet new people.” Other students share the same sentiments as well.

Toni-Ann Pavao from Methuen, 22, is studying early childhood education at NECC. She has been meeting with the club since November 18th of last year. “I am meeting new people and learning about their creative ideas and art flow… I actually also find it a good way to relax and let all the stress out.”

Another student named Amanda Nickerson from Lowell, 33, is studying at NECC to be a healthcare technician. She decided to join in order to become more involved in the college. Amanda states that the meetings have given her something to look forward to each week. “I have a lot of fun during the club meetings. A lot of great energy and interesting people.”

When asked if they recommend the art club to others, these three students replied with, “Yes, 100%!”

 

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Students react to COVID-19 vaccine news

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On the 13th of December, the Covid vaccine was being packaged and prepared to be distributed all across the country. The vaccine made history, becoming the fastest ever created. Other vaccines have taken years and years to be developed. The first dose was given to Sandra Lindsay, a nurse who works at a hospital in Queens, NYC. Soon, the vaccine will be available for the population.

Soon things may return to normal, and students will see the day that class will return to an in person format. (NECC plans a mostly onlne semester for spring 2021 though.)

Most are excited while cautious about the vaccine, considering how quickly it was manufactured.

Nisaly Gonzales, 22, of North Andover, who is majoring in liberal arts at NECC says, “I feel the vaccine is good but bad at the same time.” She adds a tone of caution and worry about people ignoring social distancing rules before the population is truly out of the woods.

Another student, Erica Shwabe, 22, who is majoring in arts at NECC is glad about the vaccine.

She says, “Glad we have one at least, and kinda amazed how quickly everyone managed to make one with results.”

Shwabe is planning on getting the vaccine, especially with the goal to further protect those around her. She hopes that others will do the same too. She believes people should be careful however. “The more precautions, the less likely to spread.”

Many still have the virus, and so the spread will take a while to slow down until a majority of people are vaccinated.

Some students have questions about how the school should handle the vaccine, and questions about making it a requirement arise.

Shwabe says that it shouldn’t be, as well as other students like Gonzalez. Shwabe states, “At the very least, a form would be doing something,” in order to notify the school who doesn’t have the vaccine, just so the school can be aware.

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Students react to rising COVID numbers statewide

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On 16th and 29th of November three members in total of the NECC community were found to test positive for coronavirus. The cases in Massachusetts overall continue to rise, with 4,747 new cases reported by the Massachusetts Health Department this past Sunday. Students are concerned over the cases on campus.

Maire Hughes, 21, from Haverhill is studying art and design in NECC.

She states that she was aware of the cases. “I keep getting notifications on my phone.”

She adds her worry, stating that she hopes none of her friends on campus or anywhere else get it. She goes on to mention the many factors that have caused this yet she says, “The more we do our part, the better society will be next year.”

Many students are also wondering what will occur next semester, and if we will even resume classes in the fall. The college has announced that most classes will be all online in the spring.

“I don’t think the campus will be open next semester, in the beginning. I don’t know what will happen.” Hughes says that it would be better if the school held absolutely no in person next semester, considering that only very specific classes were held on campus this semester.

Another student Nisaly Gonzales, 22, living in North Andover who is majoring in liberal arts at NECC says that it can be scary and worrying. “But I just try not to worry about so much,” she adds. Like many other students she has avoided going to campus as well, determining that it is the safest bet.

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Students weigh in on 2020 election

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The election began on Nov. 3, just as it always had. The days following seemed to be longer with emotions running high until finally, a winner was projected on Nov. 7 at 11:26 a.m. That winner being Joe Biden. Many students from NECC watched on.

Erica Shwabe, 22, who is studying the arts at NECC shares what it was like during the election. “I had a lot of anxieties towards it for a while before,” she said via zoom.

As the days passed despite the anxiety her nerves relaxed, she said, stating that she held onto hope.

There was a lot of concern floating about with what a second Trump term could have brought to the USA. Shwabe continued on to say she was concerned about, “Mainly what that would mean for minority groups or the lower income classes.”

Like many others, she was concerned how the coronavirus would be handled under a second Trump term.

She says, “Another thing would be how much longer the virus would last with all the poor handling.”

The election process was also challenging for some, shown by Clara Petry, a 20 year old studying environmental science at NECC.

Petrystates, “It was definitely a challenge to focus on my schoolwork while the election was going on,” via text. The distraction was clear with the ongoing urge to check the results.