Observer Department: Features
Oh, what to do with time? Pandemic inspires new hobbies
When the world shut down in March of 2020, people were left with endless time on their hands. But what were people to do with all that time? Two current and one former NECC students tell me the intriguing new hobbies the Covid quarantine gave them. Karen Smith explains to…
Behind the scenes essential workers share their experiences during height of pandemic
As the Covid-19 pandemic began, many people were deemed heroes as the public watched emergency room doctors, nurses, and first responders work tirelessly throughout the pandemic beginning in 2020 to present. There are endless accounts of the bravery and perseverance that these essential workers exhibited. The dedication to their careers…
Spotlight on Student Life Coordinator Stephanie Haskell
Student Life Coordinator, Stephanie Haskell, has a lot on her plate at NECC, but she is an integral part of the Northern Essex community. Haskell is from Concord New Hampshire and has been working at Northern Essex for over three years now since September of 2018. There are many important…
Portrait of a professor: The philosophies of Meredith Gunning
Meredith Gunning, Professor of Philosophy at Northern Essex Community College, opens up about where she came from and gives insight on her motivations and philosophies both in and out of the classroom. In the suburbs of Scarborough, Toronto, young, zany and candid Meredith Gunning grew up in a very exciting,…
Students share tips on fighting ‘seasonal slump’
While many enjoy the weather that winter in New England brings, many others suffer to get the motivation to go about their regular routines. With the confinement indoors due to the cold, excitement of the holidays in the past, shorter days, and COVID restrictions, many people start to lose energy…
A balancing act: Alumn shares advice on juggling school, work and family responsibilities
There’s a pressure to work today, especially for college students. Student debt is a fear that looms over many student’s heads, as well as the desire to move away from home and be their own person. There’s also the belief that if you have free time as a college student,…
Students share tips on how to fight the ‘seasonal slump’
While many enjoy the skiing weather that winter in New England brings, many others suffer to get the motivation to go about their regular daily routines. This “seasonal slump” is especially prevalent in students. With the confinement indoors due to the cold weather, excitement of the holidays in the past, shorter days, and…
Students vs. COVID
A daily struggle with seemingly no perfect or correct answer, yet there has to be a unique solution for every individual. The story of a procrastinating student is overused and treacherously boring to a lot of people, but it still exists and Covid has not helped. One might come to the conclusion that…
Why are high school students choosing to become dual enrollment students at NECC?
High School Students in Newburyport are now taking dual enrollment classes at Northern Essex Community College, however, they all seem to be doing it for different reasons, paving the way for their future. Whether it is to prepare, save money, stand out, or explore interests, becoming a dual enrollment student has its…
A year in review: Haverhill woman reflects on her first year as a business owner
As the date marking the opening of her business quickly approaches in just a few weeks, Haverhill local Ellen Farmer reflects on her first year as a small business owner. Farmer, who’s a member of Haverhill High School’s class of 2014, opened Monarch Nutrition on Winter Street in March of…
