NECC students and professors travel to Boston art museum

The bustle of the museum soon died out as the students moved further into the art galleries. Pictures lined that walls all around them as the soft smell of old belongings kissed their noses. Professor Patricia Portanova, Professor Steve Russell, and NECC students went to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) on April 3. After being stuck on a school bus in the morning rush to Boston, the students gathered in the MFA to learn more about American, European, and Spanish artists. Professor Portanova’s Creative Non-Fiction Writing class had previously written about an artist they had chosen from the museum’s website. Going through the museum, they were their own tour guides for the day. After a few wrong turns, the students found themselves talking about the artist and piece of work they had written about. Each student who had an artist that had their work displayed gave a short and informal presentation to the group.

Danikza Carrasquillo, a NECC English student, commented on how going to the MFA helped with her class. “It helped me to visualize the artwork. Seeing it in person gave me more intel of the artist,” she said. She also commented that going on the field trip was more of a social experience than sitting in a class room. Katherine Hailson, a Liberal Arts Writing Major, said that she liked seeing the students talk about the artist they picked to write their essays on. She said that it was “way more interesting than having a museum tour guide.” Hailson pointed out that one of the benefits of going on the field trip was that it was a different way of learning. Students got to get out of the classroom and could have a hands on experience she said. When asked what some of the highlights of the trip were, Hailson said “I got to explore exhibits that I wouldn’t usually explore.”

One of the popular exhibits that was on display was the Frida Kahlo exhibit. NECC student Mariella Mendez talked about how Kahlo was involved in a near fatal accident that had her bedridden for some time when she was young. Kahlo’s father suggested that she start drawing. Her love for art continued throughout her life and she became a very famous artist. The exhibit was full of bright colors and daring images. It was obvious that Kahlo did not censor anything when it came to her artwork. Carrasquillo commented that everything else seemed underwhelming compared to this exhibit. The students and faculty members that attended were engaged in what each other had to say. Hearing other students talk about what they learned about the artist they had chosen brought the museum to life.

Program offers students chance to experience international travel

Traveling to another country might be easier than it sounds. Northern Essex has a unique and very accessible study abroad program offered to students. Students are able to learn about the history and culture of the country they are traveling to at NECC.  They then travel to the country and experience the food, people, studies, and culture. Students are also able to earn credits while studying abroad.  Alicia Iola, who works in the International Studies department, says that she wants students to see that “there is a life outside of New England.”  She stated that she didn’t participate in any study abroad opportunities when she was in college because she had some travel anxieties.  “The unknown is not something I am comfortable with. And I think a lot of students in New England feel the same way,” she said. 

Iola found that a lot of students have not applied to get a passport when they are enrolled in the study abroad programs.  She says it’s great to see students get outside of New England and get new experiences around the world. The study abroad programs at NECC are very accessible for students. The price tag on going on a personal trip to a different country can be very high. The plane, food, hotel, and attraction costs can add up very quickly. But going through a school program, like the ones at NECC, can cut down on costs dramatically. There are still costs to traveling with the program, but it is less than traveling alone. Another way the program is more accessible is having students travel in a group. A lot of 4-year colleges offer study abroad programs where students travel alone and are usually there for a semester. The program NECC offers lets students travel in a group.

The students are not abroad for a semester either. First time travelers might find this experience more approachable than traveling alone.  Not every community college offers study abroad opportunities.  “It is difficult to get students on board because they are only here for two years,” Iola said.  Students aren’t living on campus and don’t see other students as much as they would if they were boarding on campus. This means that getting the word out about travel experiences can be much more difficult. “Not a lot of students and faculty know that we offer (study abroad trips),” Iola added.  Study abroad countries are chosen by student input.  Iola host a “tabling event” where she has a map laid out and asks students where they would want to travel. 

Not only does this give students an opportunity to start thinking about places they want to go, but it also gives the staff of the International Studies department a way to figure out where students want to go the most.

There is always a change in trends, Iola stated.  A lot of people usually want to go to Italy, Ireland, and England because of their heritage. But recently, Iola has seen a lot of people wanting to go to Japan and Germany.  Being able to take what you learn in the classroom and see it unfold in front of your eyes is an amazing experience. I was fortunate enough to go on a study abroad program to Ireland in January 2018. I learned a lot about the literature and history of Ireland in the classroom. When I traveled to the country, I was able to learn more and apply what I learned through the textbooks in class. It is a very different experience traveling to the country you learned about, rather than just reading about it through someone else’s words.  “Always ask questions!” Iola said enthusiastically.  “Even if you’re not really on board but you are kind of interested, feel free to reach out.”  Iola stressed the point that this program is for all students. Not just the ones who are passionate about traveling.  “All you have to do is get to the airport and we’ll take it from there!” she added. 

Best Buddies program needs more students to participate

Optimism poured into the room as ideas were bouncing off the walls. A group of dedicated students and faculty met Monday Feb. 4 in SC 106 to discuss the next steps of bringing a Best Buddies chapter to Northern Essex. Although some students have signed up to be a part of the chapter, more slots need to be filled for the program to stay.

It is recruitment time for the group and they are determined to make the program work out. “We need at least 10 students to sign up so we can move forward with the program,” Noreen Fantasia, the Program Assistant in the Career Center, said with a little worry in her voice. There are plenty of Buddies signed up for the program, but there needs to be more Peer Buddies (NECC students).

The Transition Opportunities Program (TOP) and the Macy Program has successfully integrated students with disabilities into Northern Essex. According to the TOP webpage, it is a program that is in collaboration with Andover and North Andover Public Schools. They help students transition from high school to college and jobs. The site states that “An integral part of the program is participation in activities and courses on the campus of Northern Essex Community College where students have the opportunity to integrate into a college campus. Students are able to access the sports and fitness center, library, book store and campus activities.” Deborah Regan, the Associate Director of the Learning Accommodations Center, pointed out that “we already have a population for the Buddies. We are very fortunate to have that on campus.” 

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating bridges and friendships between people with disabilities and people without. They create opportunities and environments where friendships can develop and grow in schools across America. According to the Best Buddies website, it is the “largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” They have even teamed up with Tom Brady and Julian Edelman to create events for the Best Buddies participants and to help raise money for the program. 

Being a Peer Buddy means that you would be paired with a Buddy that has similar interests as you do. You would be in contact with them at least 3 times a month. These contacts can be over the phone or in person. The chapter will set up events that the buddy pairs can attend. 

There are 25 colleges in Massachusetts that have a Best Buddies chapter currently running. If Northern Essex starts its own chapter, it will be the first community college in Massachusetts to have a Best Buddies chapter. This is a great opportunity for the school and its students to be a part of. The dedicated team that is trying to bring the program to Northern Essex are facing the challenges head on.  If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved in the program, please email Lucas Unger at 00305347@student.necc.edu or Deborah Regan at dregan@necc.mass.edu.