Observer Department: News
Trump proposes to defund Dept. of Education
Plans spark nationwide concern from students, parents and teachers In a surprising move that has left many Americans baffled, Donald Trump has announced his plan to defund the Department of Education, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for students, parents, teachers, and professionals across the nation. CNBC reports that…
Immigration conversations
NECC immigrant students - with or without legal residency - keep on studying with uncertainty about their future immigration status. Staff and faculty are helping in creating awareness about their rights and encouraging them to be fearless but cautious. “I’m coming to Boston and I’m bringing hell with me,” said…
Observer staff win awards
Observer Editor-in-Chief Daniela Valdivia-Terres was awarded honorable mention for Reporter of the Year for two year colleges from Associated Collegiate Press. The Observer also recently learned that two staff members will be honored with awards from the New England Newspaper and Press Association at their spring conference on March 29.…
Parnassus wins national award
The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) is recognizing Northern Essex Community College’s student literary magazine, Parnassus, with a national Pacemaker Award. This makes Parnassus one of the top student collegiate magazines in the country, as this marks the fifth time the ACP has recognized the magazine with the distinction. “I’m so…
SGA president hopes to inspire Dominican students
With 126,000 followers on TikTok and multiple press and media appearances sharing his experience with the MassReconnect program, Business Transfer student Pedro Rentas is a familiar face. Now, he plans to use that recognition to advocate for his fellow students as the new president of the Northern Essex Community College…
Music thrives Christmas
With a full lineup of events, the Music Department is showcasing the talents of its students and their efforts in and out of classrooms, rehearsing for the end of the semester. Students, faculty, staff and the public are welcome to participate and encouraged to support the art performances. Christmas is…
A field trip to meet epic story of ‘Aida’: SOAR students went to the opera in Boston
On Nov. 8, NECC Music and SOAR students enjoyed for the first time an opera performance, “Aida,” at the Emerson Colonial Theater in Boston under the direction of the Boston Lyric Opera Company. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi in 1871, “Aida” is an epic story set in ancient Egypt, centering on…
Deep dive into the classroom 3
Early College students from Lawrence High School set themselves up for success by planning ahead their academic futures. At around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2024, 26 students from Lawrence High School filled the seats in Room L014 in the Dimitry building on the Northern Essex Community College Lawrence campus…
Hope and help for the holidays: NECC’s mental health resources for students in need
With the holiday season approaching, many college students are feeling the weight of added stress, juggling end-of-semester exams, family responsibilities, and financial concerns. For students dealing with anxiety and depression, this time of year can be particularly challenging. Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offers a range of mental health resources…
Tech made to think?
How AI is shaping student learning Students at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to support their studies, raising questions about whether these tools are enhancing their learning or simply doing the thinking for them. Eighty-six percent of students globally use AI regularly, with 66%…
