Students speak on ways to improve life on campus

It is no question that Northern Essex is a diverse school. Not only does Northern Essex offer education to people of any age but to people of any background. Every semester, NECC gets a variety of students from around the world looking to pursue their academic journey. Because of Northern Essex’ unique campuses that are found in Haverhill and Lawrence MA, we are home to almost 50 percent of Hispanic/Latino students. A large population of these students make up the  Lawrence campus, therefore allowing us to be one of three Hispanic-serving institutions in the state.  A Hispanic-serving institution is a federal designation of a college where at least 25 percent of the student body is Latino. Stephanie Haskell and Analuz Garcia are two faculty members who are dedicated to making the campus a better place for its students. Haskell is the coordinator of student activities for leadership and social justice initiatives and Garcia is the assistant director of community and international relationships.

Both Haskell and Garcia are a part of Leading For Change Diversity Consortium. This group aims for retention of the Hispanic population at the school, therefore they look for ways to help the Latino population on both campuses. Their first initiative was to gather information from a variety of students to ask whether NECC should adopt the term Latinx. Garcia says, “In California this term is broadly used. We are concentrating on gathering data and figuring out, what are we going to do with this?” Haskell also suggested doing “different events for National Hispanic Heritage month in September.” A few students were asked about their knowledge about the Hispanic presence on campus and shared insightful feedback on what the school can do to improve its inclusivity. Danikza Carrasquillo, 21 year old Liberal Arts: Writing major shared that she was not aware that Hispanic and Latino students made up almost 50% percent of the school’s population, although she figured the number was high. Castillo also shared that although she didn’t necessarily know that NECC was considered a “Hispanic serving institution that she was aware that “there are a lot of benefits for Hispanic students at NECC.”

Castillo however did have a slight background on Leading For Change stating that she was aware of it being a “nonprofit organization that is designed to help students with training and resources.” She continued to share her opinion about representation on campus and said, “I personally think there is not enough Latin representation at least in the Haverhill campus. On the Lawrence campus you are able to see the diversity more. Honestly I believe it’s hard to represent the Latin culture in areas of school because some students don’t relate or plain and simple they don’t care. They don’t understand why it is important to dive into other cultures and learn from them.” Castillo offers advice to the Leading For Change faculty by suggesting more diverse activities, dances, and Hispanic women based lectures. She also suggests that “food is always a great way to get people together and talking” Finally she shared, “Create spaces for people to feel more inclined to share.” When asked about the Latinx term, she replied, “I’ve never liked any terms or labels, when we start labeling things we start organizing and creating groups that’s how we are separated. I like to leave my labels empty so that I approach people with a clean slate as I hope they would to me.”

Maryanne Rosado is a 20 year old Liberal Arts Major at Northern Essex and also shared her knowledge and opinions about Latino inclusivity. Rosado was not aware about the population, that NECC was Hispanic serving or the Leading For Change group. ‘I believe the majority of Hispanic and Latino students (are) in the Lawrence campus. The reason why I think there isn’t enough Latino representation in the school is because there isn’t enough Latino representation in the clubs.” Rosado goes on to say, “When the after school programs and governments demonstrate enough Latino students, I think there might be a change.” Rosado was aware of the term “Latinx” and expressed that she is OK with the term. “People have a right to what they want to identify with.”

After evaluating the data, Garcia and Haskell replied to the administration and concluded that they should “continue to use Hispanic or Latino/a to respect the preferences of the students and community.” They also included that they welcome any member of the college to use Latinx as a gender inclusive option. If you have any further suggestions or questions, contact Stephanie Haskell at shaskell@necc.mass.edu or Analuz Garcia at agarcia@necc.mass.edu

State’s Sentencing Commission chair shares insight into criminal justice issues

No matter what academic path students follow during their time at NECC, there are just some things that all students should be aware of. With the help of Professor Stephen Russell and Judge Jack Lu, students gain a better understanding of the Massachusetts criminal justice system during his annual visits to the campus. According to the Mass.gov website, Judge Lu was appointed to the Boston Municipal Court in 2001 and then to the Superior Court by Mitt Romney in 2006. In 2014, Governor Deval Patrick appointed Judge Lu to chair the Sentencing Commission.

He is also the lead Superior Court Judge for a Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded Demonstration Field Experiment of HOPE probation principles, and leads a multi-agency criminal justice innovation group in Essex County, Massachusetts. The month of March is Judicial Awareness Month, and Professor Stephen Russell has been accompanying his students to the judicial court for quite some time.

Like all great things, they come unexpectedly. That is exactly what occurred when Judge Jack Lu took interest in the group of students that were visiting from NECC and managed to contact Professor Russell himself. Since that time about four years ago according to Professor Russell, Lu has been a guest speaker at NECCC. Russell says, “I like to connect my students to the real world, he provides one of those opportunities.”

Professor Russell continues to share his outlook on the importance of involving students on a deeper level than just an in-class setting. Russell shares, “Over the years ideas about sentencing have evolved very rapidly and I think Lu has moved along with the ideas. He’s still learning and I think that’s interesting.” Russell also shares the evolution of Judge Lu’s speeches and how they started off “more technical” in terms of how things work, but have developed a narrative that implies “how things should work.”

Russell continues to bring along his history students to a variety of different field trips to further expand their academic experience. Being present during Judge Lu’s lecture on Wednesday March, 27, I can honestly say that I was impressed to find that it was less of a “lecture” and more of a conversation. Judge Lu delivered important insight on the criminal justice system but went on to talk about his personal experience as a judge and how students are the future of the justice system.

Judge Lu was an entertaining and animated speaker. He established trust with the audience and even walked around the lecture to show us  a picture of his son in relations to a story he was giving about sentencing a young biracial boy who had resembled his son. Judge Lu began his speech with the phrase, “You are the center of the universe,” which he followed by saying, “We are in a moment of near crisis in American Criminal Justice.”

Judge Lu continued to share the evolution of his views over the course of 18 years and admits that he does not think the same way he did a while back. He spoke for a short period of time and allowed students to ask questions immediately. One student asked, “Do you regret some of the sentences you’ve given?” in which Judge Lu replied, “Yes, I have.”

Judge Lu finished his lecture at NECC by having a conversation with the audience. He even offered to give his personal cell phone and email to students who had further questions. Lu finally ended by handing out two articles. One was titled, “The War on Cops,” by the Heritage Foundation and “There’s Overwhelming Proof that the Criminal Justice System is Racist, Heres the Proof,” by The Washington Post.

No matter what academic path students follow during their time at NECC, there are just some things that all students should be aware of. With the help of Professor Stephen Russell and Judge Jack Lu, students gain a better understanding of the Massachusetts criminal justice system during his annual visits to the campus. According to the Mass.gov website, Judge Lu was appointed to the Boston Municipal Court in 2001 and then to the Superior Court by Mitt Romney in 2006. In 2014, Governor Deval Patrick appointed Judge Lu to chair the Sentencing Commission. He is also the lead Superior Court Judge for a Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded Demonstration Field Experiment of HOPE probation principles, and leads a multi-agency criminal justice innovation group in Essex County, Massachusetts.

The month of March is Judicial Awareness Month, and Professor Stephen Russell has been accompanying his students to the judicial court for quite some time. Like all great things, they come unexpectedly. That is exactly what occurred when Judge Jack Lu took interest in the group of students that were visiting from NECC and managed to contact Professor Russell himself. Since that time about four years ago according to Professor Russell, he has been a guest speaker at NECC . Russell says, “I like to connect my students to the real world, he provides one of those opportunities.” Professor Russell continues to share his outlook on the importance of involving students on a deeper level than just an in-class setting. Russell shares, “Over the years ideas about sentencing have evolved very rapidly and I think Lu has moved along with the ideas. He’s still learning and I think that’s interesting.” Russell also shares the evolution of Judge Lu’s speeches and how they started off “more technical” in terms of how things work, but has developed a narrative that implies “how things should work.” Russell continues to bring along his history students to a variety of different field trips to further expand their academic experience.

Being present during Judge Lu’s lecture on Wednesday March, 27, I can honestly say that I was impressed to find that it was less of a “lecture” and more of a conversation. Judge Lu delivered important insight on the criminal justice system but went on to talk about his personal experience as a judge and how us students are the future of the justice system. Judge Lu was an entertaining and animated speaker. He established trust with the audience and even walked around the lecture to show us  a picture of his son in relations to a story he was giving about sentencing a young biracial boy who had resembled his son. Judge Lu began his speech with the phrase, “You are the center of the universe,” which he followed by saying, “We are in a moment of near crisis in American Criminal Justice.” Judge Lu continued to share the evolution of his views over the course of 18 years and admits that he does not think the same way he did a while back.

He spoke for a short period of time and allowed students to ask questions immediately. One student asked, “Do you regret some of the sentences you’ve given?” in which Judge Lu replied, “Yes, I have.” Judge Lu finished his lecture at NECC by having a conversation with the audience. He even offered to give his personal cell phone and email to students who had further questions. Lu finally ended by handing out two articles. One was titled, “The War on Cops,” by the heritage foundation and “There’s Overwhelming Proof that the Criminal Justice System is Racist, Heres the Proof,” by the Washington Post.

NECC starts monthly yoga sessions

Not only is Amy Cameron the Academic Preparation and ESL coordinator at Northern Essex, but she also teaches yoga. Karen Hruska was the coordinator of the event that happened Feb. 27. A yoga session was held at The Hub in the student center, and was open to all faculty, students and staff. The email that was sent out specified that it was “Gentle yoga for all levels” and “Beginners welcome.” The email included a “why” section and explained that the purpose was to “improve strength, flexibility, focus, and stress-management skills.”

At the yoga session, Cameron walked around and help students set up their yoga mats, many of which she provided. Before starting, she made sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed. Staff made sure to clear the Hub space which allowed plenty of room for the participants to move freely. Due to the high window covered ceilings, a lot of natural light poured into the room making it a peaceful and calm space for yoga. Students were suggested to wear clothes that allow them to move and many of them came prepared with yoga mats and athletic wear. She began by introducing herself and reiterating that they would be learning “flexibility exercises and relaxation methods.” The session began with some simple meditation, as the participants were asked to lay on their backs with their eyes closed. Cameron sat in the front with her eyes closed, and asked the participants to clear their minds of any stressful thoughts as she began her session.

A few students around campus shared their thoughts about this event. Katherine Hailson, 21, Liberal Arts: Writing Major shared that she was not aware of this event but would be open to attending in the future.

She says that, “yoga is great and would definitely have a positive impact on the students who regularly attend.” Hailson expresses the importance of providing access to free yoga classes because they “tend to be expensive.” She also suggested to bring back meditation sessions, saying, “I know that a few semesters ago we had a meditation group on campus that I did attend once, but the space it was offered in was rather uninviting and I chose not to go again.” Hailson also brought up the fact that clubs and events always seem to interfere with her class schedule and that there have been many events on campus that she has missed out on due to lack of advertisement.

Melanie Polanco, 19, Communications major says, “Yoga isn’t my thing at all but I’m sure if students enjoy yoga, then it will impact them, I think it’s cool that they’re doing yoga for everyone.” Polanco mentioned that she worked with kids and there were many events in which yoga instructors would visit and do yoga with the children. Polanco suggests that, “more things can definitely be done to promote stress relieving activities, for example they can keep doing the destress fest, that they’ve done in the past.”

The yoga session will be held monthly at NECC and will be instructed by Amy Cameron. For any questions about this event you may contact her at acameron@necc.mass.edu or Karen Hruska at khruska@necc.mass.edu.

Multiple initiatives hope to help students

Northern Essex Community College has taken initiatives this spring semester in hopes of reducing “food insecurity” among their students. Along with the “monthly mobile farmers market” which allows students to get free and fresh produce, they also offer  “pop-up” stations throughout campus that will allow students to go and make a sandwich whenever they’d like. According to an email announcement that was sent out on February 5, the stations will be located in most of the academic and advising centers on campus.

The email also specifies that students may request “gluten free bread and nut free spread.” NECC will also be introducing “Smart Meals,” which allows students to receive a “single serving deep frozen meal that students can sign out and microwave.” Students will be able to go to the Welcome Desk in Haverhill’s Student Center or in El Hefni in Lawrence and request a meal. Many students on campus shared their thoughts and opinions about these initiatives on campus and their eating habits throughout the semester.

Susan Elias, 20, Graphic Design major shared that she hasn’t purchased anything from the Lucky’s Cafe on campus but she probably will in the near future. Elias said, “I haven’t gotten around to going because I usually have long breaks in between classes so I tend to go home and eat instead of staying on campus and grabbing something here.”

She also expressed that she very rarely brings snacks or purchases things from the vending machines and “just recently found out that the farmers market is free here at NECC.” Elias was not aware of the new initiatives and says, “I think it’s great that the school is providing these options. There’s probably some people who struggle to find a meal or go a long time without eating due to back to back classes so I think many will appreciate this.”

Samantha Walkowicz, is a 20 year old Psychology major at NECC. She says she’s eaten at the cafe, but doesn’t “eat there often” because she’s usually not on campus for long.  She also has never used the vending machines and doesn’t bring snacks with her. Walkowicz says, “ I did not know about and have never been to the farmers market at NECC,” she said.  Walkowicz was among many students who were unaware about the PB&J pop-ups.

“I was not aware of the initiative for student food insecurity but I think it is great that NECC is providing access to more food on campus,” she said. Soleidi Aragones, 19, is a Criminal Justice Major. She shared that she’s eaten at Lucky’s once and typically buys food at the bookstore. Aragones says she brings snacks to school on a regular basis and uses the vending machines often.

Aragones was also unaware of the free farmers markets and has never attended one. She didn’t know about NECC’s food insecurity initiatives and says, “I think these are great ideas. We as students sometimes don’t even have time to eat, or bring lunch to school, especially if we’re on campus.” Not only will Northern Essex be providing more access to free food, with these station, they continue to provide free food at meetings and events.

On February 13, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, there will be free pizza at the “Knights, Bites, and Insights” meeting on the second floor at the student center HUB. Northern Essex also emailed an announcement on February 11, that the Lawrence YMCA, is open to free access for Northern Essex students. The YMCA also provides Food Services. According to the email students can stop by the Lawrence Campus Express Desk in El Hefni or the Student Life Office on the Haverhill Campus for a YMCA Voucher. Faculty and staff can obtain a Voucher from Patty Bradford in Human Resources, located on the Haverhill Campus in B-219.

Students speak about their first finals week

This year, Northern Essex has made an effort to engage its students and find helpful and accessible ways for them to study. Advertisements for the “Late Knight Study Session” were posted all over campus as well as advertised by professors and emailed to students. Not only does this provide a space for students to go study but it will motivate them to do so as well. Many students do take it upon themselves in committing their time to study. However for freshmen, this task is a little more difficult and affects them in different ways than second year students as they’re still figuring out how to manage time. Freshman Jaylin Torres is a 19 year old human resources major and shared her experiences of her first “finals week.”

She says, “Finals week is going okay considering it is my first year. I wasn’t expecting it to be this stressful but I have been preparing myself little by little.” Torres said she was aware of the study session hosted by NECC, and has seen it posted almost everywhere. Unfortunately she is unable to attend this time around but said, “I will take advantage and try to go someday.” Torres also explained that she usually studies at home because it is convenient but admitted that, “the library is better because I get less distracted.” Evanna Antypas 18, is a Graphic Design major and kindly shared her experience as a freshman.

She says, “it’s a little frustrating with all the work that is cramped up for this week, especially for an art major because most of them are projects that take longer than a week to finish.” The anticipation of this week is just as Antypas expected saying, “I’ve been preparing myself by clocking in more time at the library and doing more at home.” Antypas wasn’t aware of the study session but expressed interest in showing up to finish projects, considering she’s been spending a lot of her time at the library completing things that she can’t at home.Freshman Alexis Deleon 18, a business major, says, “I’m not as nervous for finals as I thought I’d be.” Deleon is currently enrolled in two classes and says that she doesn’t have to dedicate as much preparation time as others.

She admitted that her busy schedule would restrict her from attending a study session and that she usually studies at home.Samuel Karagiorgos 18, a Business Transfer major, explains that his first finals week is “pretty light” and is less than he expected “due to less time in class.” Karagiorgos is preparing for finals by reviewing and rereading chapters and completing all his work. He mentioned that he was aware of the study session but isn’t able to attend this semester, and that he schedules times to study at home. “In the future I would consider taking the opportunity for the study sessions.”

Professor elaborates on his upcoming book

Northern Essex’ very own, Professor Richard Padova is publishing his thrd book in 13 years, and has recruited a handful of NECC students to help him write it.

Padova says ,“My book will be about men and women who have unsuccessfully sought the presidency of the United States.”

Katherine Hailson, 21, Liberal Arts: Writing student is one of the students who has volunteered to work on the book.

“I think what really interests me in the topic of Professor Padova’s next book is getting the chance to delve deeper into how presidential campaigns have been run in our nation,” she said.

Hailson expressed that she’s worked and volunteered for local campaigns and says, “there is always much more at stake when it comes to national politics.”

Hailson hopes to gain more knowledge about presidential campaigns as well as improve writing and researching skills.

She also states the importance of trying to get involved with campaigns, so that people are aware of who they are representing, “A simple conversation goes a long way,” she says.

Dean Sheldon, 21, Information Technology major, is also helping Professor Padova create his book.

Sheldon found himself interested in the project because he likes writing during his free time.

Sheldon found out about Padova’s project through the Observer and quickly acquainted himself with Padova’s previous work. Although Sheldon is more of a sci-fi and fantasy writer, he emphasized that he wouldn’t mind trying to write something with a different approach and “walking away with more resources on where to research.”

Sheldon clarified that he is not particularly fond of current politics saying, “I actually tend to isolate myself from it, especially nowadays. But when it comes to historical politics, that’s a different story. Seeing how people lean politically and behave during different time periods is a very interesting subject.”

Sheldon hopes to gain more insight into human psychology during the research of this project.

Padova says, “Usually the losing candidates are forgotten about and sometimes never heard from again. I believe that they deserve to be brought to light, if for no other reason than the fact that for many of them, they gave up months from their lives to put themselves under a microscope developing a platform, enunciating their issues and trying to convince people why they had the skills and abilities to lead the country.” He also says that he has an “eclectic mix of candidates” that he is currently reviewing for possible inclusion in the book. These candidates vary from men, women, Democrats, Republicans, third-party candidates, well-known candidates and many more. By conducting this research, Padova will enhance the knowledge of one of his many teaching specialties, presidential history, campaigns and elections. Padova is looking forward to his research and is looking to publish his book in 2020.

Professor elaborates on his upcoming book

Northern Essex’ very own, Professor Richard Padova is publishing his thrd book in 13 years, and has recruited a handful of NECC students to help him write it.

Padova says ,“My book will be about men and women who have unsuccessfully sought the presidency of the United States.”

Katherine Hailson, 21, Liberal Arts: Writing student is one of the students who has volunteered to work on the book.

“I think what really interests me in the topic of Professor Padova’s next book is getting the chance to delve deeper into how presidential campaigns have been run in our nation,” she said.

Hailson expressed that she’s worked and volunteered for local campaigns and says, “there is always much more at stake when it comes to national politics.”

Hailson hopes to gain more knowledge about presidential campaigns as well as improve writing and researching skills.

She also states the importance of trying to get involved with campaigns, so that people are aware of who they are representing, “A simple conversation goes a long way,” she says.

Dean Sheldon, 21, Information Technology major, is also helping Professor Padova create his book.

Sheldon found himself interested in the project because he likes writing during his free time.

Sheldon found out about Padova’s project through the Observer and quickly acquainted himself with Padova’s previous work. Although Sheldon is more of a sci-fi and fantasy writer, he emphasized that he wouldn’t mind trying to write something with a different approach and “walking away with more resources on where to research.”

Sheldon clarified that he is not particularly fond of current politics saying, “I actually tend to isolate myself from it, especially nowadays. But when it comes to historical politics, that’s a different story. Seeing how people lean politically and behave during different time periods is a very interesting subject.”

Sheldon hopes to gain more insight into human psychology during the research of this project.

Padova says, “Usually the losing candidates are forgotten about and sometimes never heard from again. I believe that they deserve to be brought to light, if for no other reason than the fact that for many of them, they gave up months from their lives to put themselves under a microscope developing a platform, enunciating their issues and trying to convince people why they had the skills and abilities to lead the country.” He also says that he has an “eclectic mix of candidates” that he is currently reviewing for possible inclusion in the book. These candidates vary from men, women, Democrats, Republicans, third-party candidates, well-known candidates and many more. By conducting this research, Padova will enhance the knowledge of one of his many teaching specialties, presidential history, campaigns and elections. Padova is looking forward to his research and is looking to publish his book in 2020.