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Practicing media literacy: An especially important skill during a pandemic

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With the increased usage of technology and the internet alike, it is important media consumers are practicing media literacy in their daily lives.

Media literacy is a crucial skill, as it is the ability to recognize and identify different kinds of media and understand the messages being sent and why. Whether it’s reading a book, or magazine, watching a television program or film, listening to a podcast – the list could go on – media is being consumed. Consumers can range anywhere in age from the two year watching Sesame Street, to the 13 year old creating tik toks, to the young adult studying their textbook, to the old man on the bench reading a newspaper.

It’s important to realize all media is created by someone for a purpose with a goal in mind.

When consuming media and asking yourself questions like, who created this? What is the message and who is it for? Why was it made – What is the point? How does it make me feel? You are practicing media literacy. Also being sure to check and research the sources of whatever you are consuming can reveal some interesting and even surprising details.

It is important to practice being media literate to avoid the spreading of false information, propaganda, and unnecessary fear and panic. As Donald Trump has made well aware, fake news is certainly real. Media literacy is also key in understanding how the media we consume shapes and effects our perceptions, without us even realizing it.

Arts and Entertainment

Five more things to do during a pandemic: Fighting boredom one task at a time

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We are weeks into Massachusetts’ shut down and there’s no telling how long this pandemic will actually last. To keep in theme with my last story, I offer you a list of five more things to do in or around your home while quarantined. Those who are not very artistically inclined can appreciate this list much more, as these options are less artistic and more practical.

  1. Watch netflix. The first on the list is one I assume to be the most popular during this time. In case you’re unfamiliar, Netflix is a streaming service that offers thousands of shows, specials, and movies to watch in all genres. There’s a little something of everything on there, making it possible for almost anyone to find something they like. Included in Netflix’s Top 10 titles list this week (as of May 11) are titles including films Sleepless, John Henry, Den of Thieves, Becoming, Extraction and netflix original shows, Workin Moms, Dead to Me, Hollywood, Outer Banks, and Ozark.
  2. Take up interior designing. Being cooped up inside, you may realize how outdated or cluttered your space is. Unlock your inner interior designer and take the time to redesign, move some furniture around, add some new pieces, and create DIY decor projects. Or do some next level spring cleaning and maybe finally get to cleaning that messy closet. Declutter your space, declutter your mind.
  3. Launch a creative endeavor. Whether it’s a blog, podcast, novel, or starting your music career – now may be a good time to get a head start. With the extra time some have on their hands, sitting down and brainstorming ideas or crafting the perfect alias could serve as something both productive and entertaining. No one is expected to emerge as the new Britney Spears or Stephen King but finally taking the time to evaluate and experiment those ideas you saved for later could prove to be liberating and who knows, maybe the next pop icon will emerge.
  4. Complete a puzzle. This is a simple activity but can keep a person captivated for hours. The traditional puzzle comes in a range of pieces, with a variety of subjects for images, and can be purchased online or even traded with friends or neighbors. Virtual puzzles are also an option as well as teasers, tests, and illusions.
  5. Try something new. Whether it be cooking a new recipe or dish, trying to learn a new language, or finally learning how to do a cartwheel, go out of your comfort zone and explore new territory. Now is a time as different as any so why not go with the flow and try something unexpected.

There is no clear end of this pandemic in sight but that does not mean we should just sit around and wait. Now is the time to narrow in on priorities and make the days count, whatever that may mean to every individual person.

Although the state of Massachusetts is looking to reopen soon, as Massachusetts Mayor Charlie Baker recently released a four phase plan to reopen the state, openings and ventures will still be very limited.

It’s better to be inside, doing something productive, than wasting away counting down the days until the coronavirus has been vanquished. Or at least under control.

 

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The essential worker: A view from the frontline

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Shopping centers, restaurants, parks and any other place where social gatherings could take place are now shut down until further notice, unless deemed essential by the government.  
Being an essential worker during this COVID-19 pandemic can be very stressful. Many workers are scared to bring it home. Sadly, because thousands of people are laid off, those working at hospitals and grocery stores are the only providers.
Medical staff are working day and night as their hospitals are full, and they are only taking emergency patients.
Some grocery stores currently have limited supplies on canned goods, shelved items, water and toilet paper and must limit the number of customers that come in the store, to establish social distancing. Grocery stores have also converted aisles into one-way travel lanes.  
Jillian Verrette, 21, a grocery employee at the Westgate Market Basket says, “I  feel safe with all the new rules, but then again, some people don’t wear masks. I preferred working how it was before the quarantine because everyone was happy and enjoyed the work. There are many new rules that are stressful as well as limits on certain items of food.”
Verrette continues, “As an essential worker many say we are risking our lives being surrounded by new people all day. There is an equal share of very grateful customers as well as angry ones. Many people say thank you and try to offer tips which we are sadly not allowed to take.”  
Angelys Ortega, 18, a produce worker at a New Hampshire Market Basket doesn’t feel as safe, “No I don’t feel safe at all working during this time. I honestly think everything should be shut down, everyone staying (inside).  I never enjoyed working but you gotta do what you gotta do to survive.” 
Many parents are laid off and their children are the providers worried about making ends meet. Places such as liquor stores are still open and considered essential which many have mixed feelings about. 
Some employees say other stores are not as strict with safety precautions. Eleanor Coffin, 19, an employee at a BJ’s says, “I feel safe working to an extent, I wear my mask everyday but there’s a lot of my coworkers, even managers and a bunch of customers who walk around without one. It’s crazy,” she says. “BJ’s hasn’t made masks mandatory and they also have not put in place a limit to how many people are in the store, so it’s basically business as usual but with corona going around.”  
While wearing masks is now mandatory there are those that don’t comply. Many workers wear masks and gloves and some customers take off their masks inside. However, it is difficult to breathe it is also pointless to wear if you take them off.  
Home Page News Bytes, News

Face masks mandated in Massachusetts

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On May 6, the use of mandatory masks took effect throughout the state of Massachusetts. The order, executed by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Barker, requires residents to wear a face covering in public places when they cannot socially distance themselves. The request applies to all employees, customers and public transport companies that are open to the public. Companies can deny entry to customers who refused to wear masks. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19.  
Covering your face can help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others or from getting the virus yourself. A face covering can include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including dust masks, scarves and bandanas. If you need more information about what type of masks you should wear or other methods to protect yourself, you can find it on mass.gov. 
The governor’s executive request does not apply to children under the age of 2 years-old or to anyone who cannot wear a mask due to medical conditions or other exemptions issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  
Freddy Rodriguez, 48, a jewelry maker says, “I think it’s great that even children have to use a face mask. I have two young children, ages 4 and 7, and I was concerned that many parents would not be concerned for their children against COVID-19.” Rodriguez ended saying, “The last time I went for a walk with my children there were many parents with their children who did not respect the protection methods.”  
In addition to wearing a mask, you should continue to practice methods to protect yourself such as social distancing, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cleaning things that are frequently touched, etc.  
Francis Garcia, 42, says, “The new order established for all citizens of the state of Massachusetts seems perfect to me. We must take action so that the same thing that happened in many states, doesn’t occur to us, for example, New Jersey or New York.”
Garcia also says, “Very often I take the bus to transport myself, and many people don’t take the virus seriously. It seems good to me that now it is mandatory to use it even when you are in the bus or train.” 
Many people who support this new measure are also calling for other types of methods to be used, such as wearing gloves.  
Edwin Martinez, 30, says, “Many times when you go to the supermarket you see that many people do not wear gloves or take social distancing seriously.” He goes on, “I hope people take good measures on wearing gloves. Because when you buy at the supermarket you don’t know who touched the product or if the person who touched it has COVID-19.” 
Massachusetts residents are also urged to stay home as much as possible. People who violate the order of using a mask could be fined $300. 
Opinion

The ups and downs of COVID-19

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Around three months ago, the first COVID-19 case was announced in the United States. Since then, it has affected all of us. I remember looking through various articles on the virus as early as mid-January, reading from sources such as NHK Japan, a news outlet closer to the epicenter of the outbreak. I brought them up in conversation as passing remarks over dinner, where I’d get responses such as “It’s probably not that dangerous,” or “There’s no way it could come here.”
Now, looking back at the different ways that everyone has been affected by this virus, and looking forward to the end of the semester, I look back at the different ways that I have coped with the virus, and the multiple lessons it has taught me.  
My family, before the virus, was very distant, with me and my sister having a passive animosity to our stepsiblings and their mother. We, too, had been growing further apart, from each other, and our own parents. Both of our birth parents wound up as essential workers, and our stepparent, working from home, so our chances to connect with our own parents decreased, as our chances to connect with our stepparent increased. 
One would assume this amount of forced compatibility would result in days of fighting and hostility, but instead, we quickly accepted our fate, and wound up conversing and interacting with our family more. 
I, personally, wound up connecting with my youngest stepbrother and playing many video games with him that I would otherwise find menial. It turned out to be quite fun and time-consuming where there was nothing else to do. I also connected more with my sister in a similar way, she wound up showing me a few recipes as we did some cooking and baking together.
With the rest of my family, I still wound up connecting in these small, unique ways, and ultimately learning a plethora of new skills.  
This quarantine has been a perfect time for self-reflection and learning. I found the chance to look inward at my personal goals, flaws, and potential improvements. Many of these were found in everyday tasks, sometimes as simple as remembering to do my laundry as to keep my room from growing messy. 
This self-reflection also let me see just how much I missed the outdoors. While I have always had a draw to the outdoors and exercise, I typically stay inside, keeping safe and playing video games, even when not in quarantine.
Now that human interaction has been reduced both for myself and the people around me, I have found myself missing this interaction now more than ever, and longing to go outside with friends, even if it’s just a quick bike ride or jog.
It also brought me the realization that I am an extreme procrastinator, especially if I constantly am working from home. With this being a huge part of community college for the time being, I seriously need to re-evaluate how I do my work and my ethics behind it. 
No matter how long this virus continues to rage on, and whatever it takes to stop it, we have learned valuable lessons; from being brought closer together to family, being torn from them, or our workplaces, and stripped of our everyday lives. Whether it be someone you know, or someone that you have merely interacted with once, we all know somebody that has been lost to this virus.
I hope that this virus does not continue on at its current state, where we are forced inside to repel the chance of infection. I am hopeful for our future, for the state of all people, and a positive result from this virus. 
Opinion, Slider, Uncategorized

Opening my eyes: A student’s experience in quarantine

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Being required to stay under quarantine has opened my eyes as to everything I took for granted outside of my house. Typically, I strain myself by playing PC games late at night, with friends, until the early morning and then sleep through the day. The concept of day and night is fleeting, as even my younger sister and stepbrother have been staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning.

The grim feeling of obedience to stay inside has me craving the outdoors. Any kind of change involving usually despised exercise, would bring hope to the idea that quarantine is soon over and that I can see my friends again in real-life. Until then, I need to fight eye strain, find something to occupy myself, and motivate myself to continue with my education.

The most difficult part of this quarantine hasn’t been the strain to stay inside, but the strain to stop neglecting my schoolwork. If I have in-person classes, at least I have a sort of constant reminder every time I go to campus. This wouldn’t be an issue if my PC served as only a work PC, as every time that I log on, I get bombarded with messages from eager friends, awaiting the next day’s worth of video games.

Just the other day, I had several friends ask to play at once. There was a new update for “Battlefront II”. My friend who is currently deployed in Japan just got sent on a week’s leave due the pandemic and I had my daily crew of online friends (friends who also, unfortunately, have been neglecting schoolwork) that I always play with.

The virus also has me toying with many more creative ways to occupy my time. Several friends and I have looked into the creation of a YouTube channel.

I myself have been speaking more commonly with my online friends from Europe, as I have no reason to be awake too early or too late. They have gotten me more into plastic modelling and doing more research about history. Just the other week, I looked through the entire Norwegian archives regarding Infantry during Operation Weserübung, over 10,000 individual photos, last week. It caused so much eye strain that I had to turn my computer to night mode during just the daytime so that I could view even more. I still have over 30,000 images to look through, they will all likely take me a week each, so I will most likely get them done after the semester is over.

My hunt through the Norwegian archives was however, triggered by unfortunate circumstances; a friend of over 4 years recently broke things off with me due to an argument about historical accuracy. It got really heated and we got into a massive fight that wound up with him cutting me off completely from his life, and a bit of the New England Reenactment community. This was an event I saw coming, as we typically would have confrontations such as this one. I think that COVID-19 has brought the bad side out in a great many of us, but the good side in many others as well.

My parents and stepparent are all currently working, with two of them considered essential, my mother, a child psychiatric counselor, and my father, a lineman working for Verizon. I am very grateful that they are all able to still work from home or in-person and provide a place of shelter for myself and the rest of my family.

My mother has been beyond careful to make sure that herself and the apartment are as clean as possible, especially after returning from work, where there is currently a breakout of the virus among staff on the other side of the hospital.

Whatever this quarantine results with, and whenever it ends are both irrelevant to me. I just simply want it to end and I want to go back to normal life. I want to go back outside, go for a bike ride, or just longboard at night again with my life-long friend. I want to resume my education without any online constraints, and to not live in fear with either of my parents bringing home the virus to me and the rest of my family, as they continue to make society operate as it should. If there are any lessons for me to learn, they involve thankfulness to my family, an increase in work ethic for myself, a higher appreciation for the outdoors, and the many skills that I have re-learned.

Opinion, Slider

Tips for coping with anxiety

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These troubling times have taken a toll on our mental health. Being forced to be home hasn’t been easy for anybody, but it is exceptionally hard for those with disorders. It feels like things aren’t ever going to clear up but trust me, somewhere down the line there will be better days.  
As a person with a disorder I understand how easy it is to get stuck on things we can’t control, but if we take it one day at a time, we can overcome it. These thoughts come and go but the only way through is through.  
These are the ways that I work through anxiety: 
  
1. Breathing exercises: 
If you feel yourself dissociating from reality close your eyes and breathe slowly.  As you’re breathing in, touch your fingertips and count to three. Repeat this exercise until you feel better. 
 
2. Go on a nature walk or a drive: 
Social distancing does not mean you can’t go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes all your mind and body needs is some air and vitamin D. Go put on your headphones and enjoy the little joys that we have in life. However, remember to observe the six feet and mask rules. 
  
3. Exercise: 
Working out is a very efficient way to work through anxiety, depression...etc. Luckily, there are many workout challenges online (thanks to YouTube) that can be done right at home. There are many ways to work out whether it’s riding a bike, dancing, Zumba and the list goes on. Get that cardio in today! 
  
4. Drink tea: 
Tea is proven to bring anxiety levels down. So, whenever you feel your heartbeat thumping, head to the kitchen and start boiling the water! This is my favorite one because I get to try all sorts of tea, but the one that seems to do its justice with me is Chai. 
  
5. Reach out: 
Sometimes all we have to do is speak to those we love. If that is not possible then reaching out to teachers and people who care about us in general can be a big help. As corny as it is, “High School Musical” was right, “We’re all in this Together”. 
Home Page Featured News, News

NECC students aren’t waiting around: Innovative services flourish during pandemic

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On March 24 at 12 p.m. Gov. Charlie Baker asked the whole state of Massachusetts to stay at home and not go out in public unless absolutely necessary.

Massachusetts residents, along with almost the entire United States, have been advised to stay at home for over a month, and wait till COVID-19 starts to slow down.  

“Waiting around really isn’t an option for me. My first job is temporarily closed, but I still needed money for weekly and monthly expenses,” said NECC student Cole St. Jean via Zoom interview.  “So I really had no choice, but to immediately start looking for another job at the worst time.  Luckily, I discovered an app called Instacart, and I’ve been working for them ever since.”  
Instacart is a grocery pick-up and delivery service that is used across the United States and Canada.  Employees receive a shopping list of items from the customer through the app.  Then they pick up the items from the grocery store and deliver them to the customer’s address.  The employees then receive payment and any tips through the app. Prior to the pandemic, Instacart was already a successful company that was slowly gaining traction throughout the United States and Canada.   
Another company that has experience an increase in consumer demand is DoorDash. DoorDash provides customers the ability to order and have takeout delivered to their address by an employee from company partnered restaurants via the DoorDash app.   
Companies like Instacart, DoorDash and video conferencing services like Zoom, have seen their success skyrocket due to the on-going pandemic.  
“Most of the people staying home, have really been trying to leave the house as least as possible.  But when they do leave the house it’s usually to run essential errands or get takeout or go to the grocery store.  With delivery service apps like DoorDash and Instacart, people can just safely order and receive their groceries and meals, while helping to lower the total amount of people going out in public,” said NECC student and DoorDash employee, Noah Beaulieau via Zoom interview. 
Another essential worker is NECC student Emily Costa, who works as a fry-cook at the 99 Restaurant, in Haverhill, Mass.  
 “I think these delivery services are a really good thing, because you’re keeping restaurants open, while also keeping the customers safe with contactless delivery,” said Costa via Zoom interview. 

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of challenges and obstacles, but it has also brought opportunity for NECC students as well as for most of the country. 

It has given people more time to spend with their families, allowed for more time to focus on schoolwork, brought even more time for passions and hobbies, and for some essential workers, even some time to focus on their jobs.  As long as we stay positive and make the best of our situation, we will keep thriving and soon enough be back to enjoying normal life.  

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Education behind the screen: Students reflect on remote learning

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As quarantine continues and the world seems to be on pause,  education also continues.
Although students are no longer allowed to physically attend schools until the upcoming fall or possibly longer, students are still required to do online schooling, assignments are posted on websites such as Blackboard, Google Classroom, and video calls are made on Zoom. 
Some students are completely fine with the current change and have adjusted well while others are struggling to stay focused.
As a student who is used to attending public school, Naima Bogran, 14, upcoming Hunking graduate had some opinions about online school.
“It has been stressful and weird that I’m alone when I’m doing school work. Zoom hasn’t helped, I’ve been on one Zoom call and we didn’t even talk about school work,” she said.
Bogran also mentioned how a Zoom call with teachers doing a lesson while posting less assignments would be an improvement.
Apart from the education students are missing out on milestone ceremonies and events such as prom, graduations and annual trips. Bogran says “I am very annoyed and upset everything got cancelled. I didn’t even get to go on any field trips or say goodbye to my friends and now we are all going to separate high schools. There would be no point for them to do any graduation virtually because it would be sad.”
As students are learning to process this unexpected turn of events educators are also facing some struggles as well.
Professor Lisette Espinoza who teaches English Comp 102 at Northern Essex Community College, shared some of her experiences during this quarantine.  She mentioned how difficult it has been to adjust not only for her but for her students knowing how important face to face learning is, while online learning has limitations.
She communicates with her students on many platforms whether it be through Zoom, email, call or text. “I try not to be strict during this time because we’re all humans and adapting, as teachers we should be motivating our students and accepting their flaws and learn to be patient,” she said. 
Espinoza also talked about how important structure is and how she tries to provide that during her teaching while still
being flexible to the needs of her students.
Opinion

Staying safe and healthy during the virus crisis

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It is a difficult time for everybody. 
With the world seemingly gone to fire overnight and many states in the country still on mandatory stay at home order, there seems to be a barrage of complicated and often conflicting information, about what to do to keep both you and your family safe during this time of uncertainty.
If only there was a place where all the important safety protocols were listed out, oh wait you are reading it. 
First and foremost the best thing you can do, unless you’re an essential worker; Stay at home! It is said time and time again on the news and in every important article you will read. 
The best way to slow the infection rate it is simply, to give the virus less people to infect.  According to the world health organization (WHO) this virus seems to be so infectious, because it can live up to 14 days on a sterile surface, instead of the average 2 days from an illness like the flu or pneumonia. 
This is why the stay at home order is both so important and seems to be so long.  It’s made that way for a reason. 
What about when you have to go out?  The WHO has an answer for this too. The two best things you can do is to social distance, and wear a mask. 
Wearing a mask is mostly meant to help protect others. One of the biggest ways this virus can spread is when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, this allows the virus to spread through the air.  However.  If you wear a mask, it will trap the microbes that allow the virus to spread, and decrease the infection rate.
What will protect you is social distancing,  and it’s as easy as staying a minimum of six feet apart from people when you see them,  and to only go out for necessities like shopping for food, water, and toiletries.  Ok so, you are social distancing, you say, and you only go out for the most important things. 
Well you’re already doing a better job than many people! 
Remember knowledge is power, so the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to educate yourself about this virus.  The WHO says that this virus most severely affects infants, the elderly, and people with underlying respiratory ailments. 
And although you might not have any of those,  you are still at risk, and you will be putting others at risk if you aren’t being safe. 
For the NECC community it has been hard to switch to online learning, however the switch is only temporary, and it is necessary for the safety of you and your loved ones.  Just remember, this is not a permanent change to life, and eventually though it may take months or even years to get back to complete normalcy  don’t lose hope because we will defeat COVID-19.  And life will go on.