Observer Department: Features
New England’s agricultural fairs are back after a year hiatus
Topsfield and Deerfield had a taste of fried dough and normalcy early this month with the return of their long-awaited annual agricultural fairs. However, after the global pandemic forced the tradition to a halt this time last year, many feel that there needs to be precautions. "It's definitely a big…
How is COVID-19 affecting your college experience?
Covid-19 has plagued the world. And it may even feel as if you're the only one experiencing troubles, whether it's in the classroom, on campus, or in your everyday lives. One thing for certain is we are all struggling through these troubling times. In an interview with a select few…
Staff profile: Pam LaBella – assistive technology specialist at Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill resident Pam LaBella has always been passionate about helping people throughout her career, and understands the importance of providing support to people so they can succeed in their future endeavors. Whether she is helping young students after school with their homework, training career professionals, or helping college students adapt…
Before I’m gone: A photo essay
This project is something that was born out of my own fears. It is a realization. It is a hard pill to swallow. It is a truth, that I (and many) need to face. This project was birthed from the knowledge of knowing that I won’t be on this planet…
A student with her eyes on radiologic technology degree shares her NECC journey
Current student, Kali Bergeron, 20, of Salem, N.H., is spending her second semester at Northern Essex. Bergeron is in her prerequsite year of her general health and science courses, with the goal of getting into the radiology program and eventually becoming a radiologic technologist. Bergeron explains her path to radiology…
Two neurology students share their thoughts on a year of pandemic learning
Ryan Partland, a neurology student who has been attending university in Denver, Colorado throughout the entire pandemic, is eager to return to a full workload of in-person labs, demonstrations and lectures coming up in August. Partland's girlfriend, Liliana Morris, who was studying neurology alongside him prior to the pandemic, traveled…
A look into the mind and life of local artist Jay Tuccolo
When reaching the final steps leading to his third flood office, a bombardment of color and sound encircles you. Hundreds of CD’s line the walls and records are stacked all around. Paintings and artwork surround the room, in a wash of beautiful greens, lazy yellows and bright blues. A soft…
Pandemic forced changes in social lives, interactions
The conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic and the isolation it necessitated has had a profound effect on the manner in which interactions take place and how people go about meeting and speaking to each other. While in theory, social media would be a good supplement to the lack of…
Greatnes begins at home: A conversation with Noelia Figueroa
It was to my honor and surprise when interviewing Noelia Figueroa did, I out find what great talent we had here on the NECC campus. Our initial contact was due to some issues I was experiencing when trying to register for my summer classes. It was very frustrating for me because I was contacting all the wrong people. When I spoke with Noelia…
Who comes to the rescue when charities need help?
A feature on the Andrew Curry Green Lake Swim 2020 was a rollercoaster of emotions and struggles for everybody. It was difficult for people to continue to do the things they love, while staying inside in attempts to protect themselves and the people around them. There are many organizations that…
