Observer Department: Features
NECC’s budding cannabis courses
College offers certificates focused on jobs in the industry Since its legalization in 2016, following the decriminalization of cannabis in 2008, Massachusetts has emerged as a leader in the recreational cannabis sector, becoming the 18th state in the nation to embrace this progressive change. The legalization has not only reshaped…
Alexa Plus: A new era of voice assistance, but at what cost?
Amazon’s latest innovation, Alexa Plus, promises to revolutionize the way we interact with voice assistants. With enhanced voice recognition capabilities powered by generative AI, Alexa Plus is designed to provide a more personalized and efficient user experience. However, this advancement comes with significant changes to how user data is handled,…
Water woes in the Spurk building
Students and staff on the third floor of the C Building recently had to grapple with issues caused by a persistently leaking ceiling on the third floor. The issue led to trash cans being placed throughout the floor to manage the water dripping into the hallways, but this temporary solution…
Astronauts return to Earth: Two were stranded for nine months
Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned home after unexpected issues during the test of Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft forced the two to dock aboard the International Space Station. The Boeing Crew Flight Test launched on June 5, 2024, and was expected to last eight days, with a…
An immigration journey
From the Dominican Republic to a new beginning Moving to a new country is never easy, but for one local student, it was a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and personal growth. In this exclusive interview, she shares her experience of leaving the Dominican Republic, adjusting to a new culture,…
Evolution of a Thanksgiving staple
Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite From the Milk Bar pumpkin pie, to the most simple of pumpkin pies, this seasonal treat is found in many spreads of last courses. Pumpkin was a staple to early settlers of New England, and was at first used in many other ways. Pumpkin…
J-Hope completes military service Fans Worldwide Celebrate His Return
Fans worldwide celebrate his return After an 18-month hiatus, J-Hope of the global phenomenon BTS has officially completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. The BTS rapper, singer, and dancer, known for his energetic performances and uplifting spirit, was discharged on October, 17th much to the joy of fans…
What skis and snowboards can teach you: Life lessons in the snow mountain
Students Lauren Rafferty, this reporter Daniela Valdivia-Terres and alum Chris Drew had fun during the Ski Trip which was organized and lead by Engineering Professor Doug Leaffer. About 1.5 hours away from NECC Haverhill campus, Mount Sunapee in Newbury in western New Hampshire was the chosen place to spend a…
Zyel Silva: The story of a young real estate agent
Have you ever felt like you were put on earth for one very specific reason? For 24-year old Zyel Silva, according to his blurb on the Chinatti Realty website, this reason is “to improve the quality of the lives of those around (him).” Silva is an up and coming real…
Observer alum wins award
22-year-old Jose Rodriguez is a journalism graduate of Northern Essex Community College who is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Salem State University, where he is majoring in Media and Communication minoring in Journalism. Rodriguez is the former Editor-in-Chief and Sports Editor of the NECC Observer. Recently Rodriguez has also…
