All posts by Observer Staff

News

Season’s greetings, semester’s farewell

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NECC students discuss how to finish off the fall semester

With the end of the semester coming to a close and the holidays rolling in, it still surprises people just how stressful this time of year is.  Yet there is a lot to appreciate about this time of year and ways to make it as stress free as possible.  When asked what they do around this time of year, certain local folks had much to say on this topic.

NECC student, Norman Beraha, sees the holidays at the end of the semester as more of a relief rather than a reward.  Since he is Jewish, Beraha celebrates Chanukah or Hanukkah as it’s also spelled.  “[It’s] a celebration of oil lasting long enough for more to be made, there’s a big ol pile of myths around it,” Beraha explains, “but the upshot in the modern day is you celebrate it with lots of lights and fried food.”  He also mentioned latkes and soufganiot, both fried foods eaten around the holidays.  When asked if he has any advice for the end of the semester stresses, he says he isn’t really the expert, at first.  However, Beraha finishes off with, “The semester isn’t over until the 17th; hang in there and get [stuff] done; [it] would suck for a good semester to crash right on the finishing line.”

“The Holidays are the reward,” says local Methuen resident, John Hayes, “I’m completely exhausted!”  Hayes celebrates Christmas around this holiday season and decorates a tree in all white lights.  “We do the usual,” says Hayes, “…exchange gifts, and watch some Christmas movies; just me and my parents, nothing super unusual.”  However Hayes does bring up a time he and his family were very sick and weren’t able to hang up a tree.  “My dad’s drum equipment was sitting in the living room, so we draped the lights on them and that was our ‘tree’.”  As for what to do during the end of the semester, Hayes simply said, “For the love of God, get sleep and get your stuff done sooner rather than later; and treasure the time you have at home.”

As for NECC student, Xavier Velez, he also doesn’t see the holidays as a reward per say.  “I see the holidays as a resting period until I have to jump back into my next semester; if you see rest as a reward then maybe so, but I just try and relax during this time”, said Velez.  Velez celebrates Christmas and says he tries to celebrate it with his family as much as possible before working.  “We celebrate the holidays pretty traditionally,” adds Velez, as he describes having dinner on Christmas Eve with the family.  As for the end of the semester and what to do, Velez makes it apparent to “Beware of deadlines.”  He talks about the end of the year being exciting and how “blinding” it can become so it’s crucial to have everything on track.  “Also, life is fun and fast paced but take time to enjoy the holidays,” Velez adds, “appreciate the family and drink some eggnog.”

News

NSLS cultivates leaders at NECC

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National Society of Leadership and Success hosts hands-on practice

The National Society of Leadership and Success provides opportunities to students to form the basis of what it means to be a leader and the process to achieve individual goals.  “The purpose of the NSLS is to get students to get experience with being a leader, practizing in the classroom, or in a group,” said NECC’S Coordinator of Social Justice and Student Leadership Stephanie Haskell, Chapter leader of the National society of leadership and success (NSLS).

“From there it is a  five-step process for the Northern Essex chapter, and students are really oriented about it, but also at leadership training day they kind of get to understand more about themselves as a leader,  and then from there they attend broadcasts where famous people come to share their story, and how they got to where they are through their life lessons, and afterwards they attend success networking teams (SNT”s) where they work with their peers, and through this they work on a goal, and any feedback they can get from their members, but really it’s just a step process where you can be more aware of yourself as a leader and where you can gain skills.”

Through her lead taking and responsibility, Club President Kaylee Sarazin found the experience to be exciting. “I was so overwhelmed honestly, I was excited that this is  going to be an excellent opportunity for me, “ she said. “When I met Stephanie, I was excited, and then she started listing the responsibilities and I thought that this sounded like a lot, and I don’t know if I can do it. But in the end, I found that I like leading the chapter group. I’m extremely introverted, but honestly, I like the work and the responsibility of taking the lead within my position. “

For Haskell this is her first semester at Northern Essex with leading the chapter and hopes to have the group to be “student run.”

Haskell goes on to say “I will be here to assist students through the process, but I would love to see the students booking the rooms, and leading the discussions, and being up front and asking questions, and I think right now, we are going to get there, but we are at the beginning steps, so we are actually having students vote to be on the executive board for the national society, but we are also looking to start a club at NECC for NSLS. “

According to Haskell, “I’m proud of the fact of seeing students that came to orientation and didn’t want to share their names, but now through the process, more are showing personal stories, goals and lessons that they have learnt, and they have just opened up, and to talk within a group, so it’s exciting to see students develop and I think that im proud of the number of students that have stuck through it.”

“It took a lot of piloting” according to Kaylee “so I’m honestly grateful for all of the groups patience. But I’m proud of how much progress we are making, and I feel as though this is our own thing that we get to do with student members and build up the group and push them to progress and achieve their goals.  “Once I get students inducted, then I know that I have accomplished something.”

News

A free trip for creative minds

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Program opens up MFA to Northern Essex Students

In September of 2018, The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston received funding from Liz and Bob Pozen in part to fund the Pozen Community College Access Program.  This program allows 15 community colleges including NECC free access to the MFA for a possible two years. “As long as [Liz and Bob] keep donating, it will be available,” says Laura Mondt instructor and research librarian at the Haverhill campus. Students will have access to the galleries and special exhibitions including other perks such as a 10 percent discount in the museum shops and discounted tickets to special lectures and film screenings.

Dalia Habib Linssen, head of academic engagement at the MFA says “the MFA offers college students the unique opportunity to learn from artworks that span a range of cultures and time periods from ancient to contemporary.” Mondt says that students only “need to have a current student ID” to be admitted. They do not need to get any special passes from the library before hand. Students should make sure they have the current semester sticker on the back of their ID.  If a student is already registered for spring classes they can receive a new sticker at the Student One Stop Center.  Currently, the MFA is showing the Winnie-the-Pooh exhibit until January 6.

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Students will have access to the galleries and special exhibitions

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According to the MFA website this exhibit requires a patron to buy tickets online for a time slot to view to the exhibit. The MFA did not respond to clarifying if a student with a free pass would be allowed to view that exhibit or if “buying” a ticket, only meant reserving a spot.  But, with over 450,000 objects to view there is plenty to experience without seeing all of the special exhibits.  Linssen says, “I’ve found that getting out of the classroom to teach from original works of art sparks student’s curiosity.”

Liz Kelner Pozen, a psychoanalyst with degrees in social work, social anthropology and cultural anthropology is part of the Pozen donation. Liz is also an artist and poet, her work has been showcased across multiple states and although she could not be reached for comment, her husband Robert C.Pozen says of why they donated such a generous gift: “The strategic plan of the MFA says it wants to encourage visitors by young adults in the greater Boston area. So funding free MFA visits by students at community colleges seemed like an effective way to achieve this goal.

Robert Pozen is currently a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, former president of Fidelity Investments and he often writes for the Financial Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

For more information about this program, select Museum of Fine Arts Institutional Pass Program from the NECC library page. Also, refer to the MFA for updated information.

Campus Life

Arts & Design endangerment

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Could the Arts & Design major disappear from campus?

With budget cuts to public institutions occuring in the past few years, arts programs all over the nation have been the first to suffer. According to a professor of NECC, The Arts & Design program has approximately 111 students enrolled. With the removal of the Theater and Dance majors, this has left students of the art and design program concerned. Which raises the question of could this program be cut in the future?

Professor Bryan Ward has been teaching Art & Design at NECC since 1999, and has been an integral part in helping develop to program throughout the years. “NECC is the only school in the area that offers photography, video, and graphic design at an affordable rate.” says Ward. “Lawrence and Haverhill are booming art communities, but they need someplace to go if students decide to study [arts] academically.” According to Ward, the Arts and Design major takes up about 15% of the student body, and rose by 7% this year. “It saddens me to see what we have rebuilt over the years being dismantled.”

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“It saddens me to see what we have rebuilt over the years being dismantled.”

– Bryan “Biff” Ward

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Many students are required to take an arts class to complete their majors, whether they are art majors or they need to fill out an elective. According to art students, there are less art classes being offered to them at a less consistent rate. Classes may be offered once a year or be dropped altogether, causing change to required classes to complete the major. It is then they are forced to take alternative classes to fulfill credits that they oftentimes don’t need for transfer.

“I think that art classes should be open to anyone who wants to take them. You need a well-rounded education, and you never know where people’s ideas can come from to benefit the future.” says Michael Penta, a Computer and Information Science Professor.

“The options that students have [here] is limited and it makes no sense.” says Reniel Fanini, an Arts & Design major. Fanini intends to utilize his degree at NECC to become an architect. However he has found that since starting, the faculty is pushing him to continue his education at Northern Vermont University. “My professor asked me if I wanted to do a partnership with NVU which is pushing Graphic Design onto other art students. That is not what I want to do.”

“Vermont is going to find a way to cater to the students here.” says Penta.

“Students save money by studying arts at NECC because they cannot afford to go to universities. There is also the issue of commuting for students who don’t have a car. Schools like Middlesex Community College is really far for a lot of people.” says Ariana Caraballo- Sanchez, another Arts & Design Major.

Within the past few years Lawrence and Haverhill has had what can be described as an “art renaissance”. Community organizations, such as Elevated Thought in Lawrence, cater to children and teenagers in the area promoting social justice, beautification projects, and more. They have made several appearances at NECC, promoting their work to students to inspire them.

“Programs like Elevated Thought show that there is an art community within lower class areas.” says Ward.

Throughout the entire month of November, the arts room in the library held a photography showcase for photographer Lloyd Ziff who has worked with several newspapers and magazines such as Rolling Stone.

However for many students this news has seemed to fly right by them. Ziff’s photography showcase was advertised on the electric board at the main entrance of the campus. There were also press releases and emails sent out across the school, and even the NECC Observer did a coverage. Despite all of that, it did not get people’s attention.

“If my professor Mark Mannheimer hadn’t told me about Ziff, I wouldn’t have known about him.” says Luke Lustenberger an Arts & Design major. “The school relies on its students to advertise these things, and the events usually take place a weird day when there’s not that many students on campus.”

“I think the school needs to start getting more involved with high school students to promote their arts programs, that is the best way they can gain future NECC students.” says Carabello- Sanchez.  “Lots of our students in the past have gotten into top schools around the nation. One student even got a job with Reebok.” says Ward.  Ward has created an instagram page profiling current students and alumni work. Within the first week of its creation, it had garnered more than 270 followers. “The page is linked with the Essex community, art organizations, and professors at other colleges. People see it, and they know that we are active.” says Ward.  To follow and support the Arts & Design program, you can follow them on Instagram @neccartdesign.

Features

Freshmen take on finals

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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.”

a refreshment table
Drink table at the Student Center during the Late Knight Study Session Photo by Mariella Mendez
A photo of a box of pizza
Pizza and snack table at the student center during the Late Knight Study Photo by Mariella Mendez
Campus Life, Uncategorized

Campus Culture Podcast takes NECC by storm

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Dynamic trio takes to the air to talk Northern Essex

From podcast episodes to open mic nights, NECC’s Campus Culture Podcast is giving students a voice.Made up of three members, this podcast wrecking crew was established in the Spring semester of 2018.President of the group; Amanda Torres says their goal was to “put forth a different kind of aspect on campus” in regards to the other clubs at NECC.Torres points out how there was not a club on campus that captured the student body’s interest as a whole.“We like to discuss local news, Hip-Hop and keep our followers updated on our social media with new music and events we host at Northern Essex or might be attending in the Merrimack Valley,” said Torres.

Thursday, November 29th was the podcast’s first Open Mic night at NECC.In attempts to make this a recurring event,  Zack Deveau a second member of the podcast talks about how the Open Mic night is a milestone for the group. “We finally have the platform and space available to give local artists from the school and the community some exposure.”One of the talents Deveau is referring to, is pen tapping sensation and NECC Music major; Lennie Simo.Coming off of an MTV appearance on the comedic show “Ridiculousness,” Simo had the Open Mic audience in awe due to how fast he could tap his pens and how well he could mimic a well known instrumental.

Fun fact about Simo, he recently auditioned for “America’s Got Talent,” so keep an eye out for him on next season.Third member of the Campus Culture Podcast and homegrown, Open Mic night, talent Raul Eduardo Gonzalez Zemora talked about how the Open Mic night came about and why it is so important.“We’re in a location [Merrimack Valley] where there is so much talent and there’s not really a platform where people can go to express themselves,” he said. Zemora, a rapper, talks about how important and a must this podcast was to all three members.

“We’re going to give it to you real. That’s how this started, a couple of friends wanting to get together to help people express themselves and help individuals be proud of the artist they are and were meant to be,” he said. .With such a positive attitude and message, the Campus Culture Podcast is not only worth a listen but a follow on their social media accounts as well. Their podcast episodes are up now on the HC Media website. To reach out to any of the members or to stay informed for their next event, they can be followed on their Instagram account: campus_culture101. The Campus Culture Podcast members hope to have many more Open Mic nights to come but also hope that the podcast aspect stays relevant long after all members have graduated NECC.

student holding a mic raping in front of a projected screen
Raul Eduardo Gonzalez Zemora, rapping/performing. Photo by Andy Montilla
three students standing together in front of a projected screen
Campus Culture Podcast members (Left to Right): Zack Deveau, Amanda Torres, Raul Eduardo Gonzalez Zemora Photo by Andy Montilla
student raping in front of screen
Lennie Simo pen tapping and Savion Rosa, first year business major rapping/performing, Photo by Andy Montilla
Sports

Three teams added to Athletics program

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Men’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball to come back and eSports to debut

NECC has announced that three new teams have been added to the athletic program for 2019-2020. Two sports teams that were once removed have been added to the athletic department, Men’s Soccer and Women’s basketball. Joining the list of other schools across the nation NECC has added an eSports program.

Both Men’s soccer and Women’s basketball will be competing in NJCAA Region XXI becoming the 10th institution Men’s soccer team in the region and 12th Women’s basketball in the region.

The eSports team will be competing against other college teams in (NACE) National Association of Collegiate eSports. “We are excited about bringing both men’s soccer and women’s basketball back to the college. The addition of eSports will open an entire world of college athletics for gamers here at NECC,” Athletic Director Dan Blair stated in a press release: “We look forward to competing at a high level and allowing more students to succeed both academically and athletically while they pursue their degrees.” Since the arrival of Blair to the Athletic Department, he has helped more students come to the program in recent years. “Since the addition of the golf program for the 2018-2019 academic year and growth in all NECC’s athletic programs, the college has nearly doubled its student-athlete population since the start of the 2016-17 academic year from 43 to 90 athletes,” the press release said.

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Every four years the World Cup comes, and everyone is a fan -Anthony Domingo

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The last time NECC had a soccer program it was in the mid 1990’s, Since the popularity of American Soccer and the MLS, soccer has become part of the major sports in the United States. United States soccer has grown since recent years, the World Cup that comes every four years is a big-time event for the entire world. Former NECC student Anthony Domingo said, “Every four years the World Cup comes, and everyone is a fan.” Soccer has been well known in many European countries where its known as “football” with the talents of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi. These are just some names that are well known in the “Soccer verse.” With the recent arrival of Christian Pulisic who is known to be one of the better United States players soccer has been a country-wide sport. Domingo also stated that “Learning the rules helps you understand the game, like every sport its different.” With this sport coming to the school, many more students will be joining the program.

The Women’s basketball program previously had numerous achievements, two of them becoming champions in the NJCAA Region XXI in 1994 and 2001. Haverhill women’s basketball has become an interest in the area since its rise in the 90’s. Women’s basketball shows that NECC is diverse with all its programs. The last time there was a team was in 2012. A coach has not been found yet for the team.

Coaching searches are underway for the soccer and basketball programs, the press release said. According to the press release, NECC alum and nationally ranked Fortnite gamer RJ Warnock will lead the eSports program as its first coach. Warnock, of North Reading, played baseball for Northern Essex before transferring in 2013, the press release said.

Sports

Bruins and Celtics: Make or Break

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Both teams are above .500

Boston’s Celtics and Bruins are starting to produce, after having a rough start of the season. Both teams are above .500. And both teams have lost 10 games. Each team has time since the half-way point isn’t until next year in January. Last season they made it to the playoffs but were eliminated in the end. This two are the minor teams compared to the Red Sox and the Patriots, though they have each raised a banner in the 2000’s. They have the potential to raise more, their team chemistry is off the charts, but they are unable to perform.

Playing in the city of Boston is tough, than fans like myself expect you to win games.

The Celtics are 15-10 and are sitting in fifth in the Eastern Conference, you would think that with the departure of Lebron James to the Western Conference it would make the Celtics the top dog. With their recent win streak, they are moving up in the standings and they have begun outscoring their opponents with a hefty margin. Recently they beat the Chicago bulls 133-77. Through previous games they have scored more than 100 points which is something you at least should accomplish if you want to win games in the NBA. Their starting five is one big unit, their motto is that they don’t have one superstar, the whole team is the superstar. In recent games Gordon Hayward has been coming off the bench and has been performing. To win championships your starting five and bench need to make big plays. The team has a rough schedule the next coming weeks but I’m sure they will produce.

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It’s a new season we must watch what happens in the end.

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The Bruins have had a tough year, they lost one of the best goaltender in the NHL to a family matter and they were losing games, but once Tuukka returned he was out performing but his defense wasn’t contributing, plenty of the defenseman went down to injury, (Charlie McAvoy, Zdeno Chara, Kevan Miller, etc.). It also doesn’t help that they traded away Adam Mcquaid to their rivals the New York Rangers. The team is eleven points behind the leader the Tampa Bay Lightning, but in recent games they have a nice little streak of two previously beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 and the Ottawa Senators 2-1 in overtime. If this team wants to make a heavy playoff push this year they must show it, they have to have their young skaters produce because they can’t keep relying on Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara.

It’s December and for the NBA and NHL this is the spot where everything gets tough for the teams, each team has a young core that must produce because during this part of the season this is where you make it or you break it. Playing in the city of Boston is tough, the fans like myself expect you to win games, hence the name “City of Champions”. It’s a new season and we must watch what happens in the end.

Sports

eSports program to debut

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Varsity eSports team coming to NECC in 2019

NECC will have a varsity eSports program for the first time. The eSports team will be joining the athletic programs for the 2019-20 academic year. ESports are a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, typically by professional gamers. Other colleges already have joined the eSports mania and are offering scholarships for their varsity eSports team. NECC will be competing against other colleges and universities, join eSsports tournaments/championships in large arenas and participate in  other events regarding eSports.

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I would definitely join, I haven’t really tried gaming tournament

–Jason Batista

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Dan Blair, Director of Athletics said, “We are excited to get in the action of eSports and to provide it for interested students.”Interested students can join or apply online and fill out a form or by going to the Athletics Department.As of now there is not a limit on how many students can join the eSports team; Blair said “there is no limit, as of now we have an open roster” Blair also added that the amount of players allowed to play at the same time in a team depends on the game, “sometimes games can have four player or eight players in a team” Blair said.

According to a press release, NECC alum and nationally ranked Fortnite gamer RJ Warnock will lead the eSports program as its first coach. Warnock, of North Reading, played baseball for Northern Essex before transferring in 2013, the press release said. eSports has one of the fastest growing fan bases in pro sports. eSports are estimated to make 276 million dollars by the year 2022.Alfredo Tejada 20, said he did not know NECC was making a varsity eSports team, but would be interested in trying it out.

Tejada said “I like to play video games, but I don’t have the time, I am not one that goes home and starts playing games. I like to play 2K, if that was an option, I would be really interested in joining.”

like to play video games, but I don’t have the time, I am not one that goes home and starts playing games. – Alfredo Tejada

Jason Batista 24 said “Yes! I would definitely join, I haven’t really tried gaming tournament wise, so I would definitely join for that experience, and to connect with people that share a common interest in gaming like me.

“I feel like not a lot of people are able to connect in college because we are just going classroom to classroom, and I would join it for that reason as well.”

For more information visit the Athletci Department or vist the department’s website at www.neccknights.com.