Observer Department: News
The common trend that binds us together: Fighting mid-semester burnout
As another Spring break passes and these fleeting moments of relaxation come to an end, I have found myself overwhelmed with assignments, a part-time job, and the stress of planning the future of my academic career. In a recent conversation with friends — all of different educational backgrounds and life…
Student Government election met with lackluster particpation
Northern Essex's Student Government Elections came to a close on March 3, with just 44 NECC student votes counted. The special election filled five positions on the board; however, two positions remain vacant. "In the past, I remember seeing low voting numbers, but it was always at least 100 votes.…
How students’ lives have changed without masks
On Wednesday, March 9 the presidents of Massachusetts’ fifteen community colleges released a statement announcing that the college campuses would transition to mask optional environments. NECC announced that as of March 21 its campuses would be mask optional. After almost two years of wearing masks, this transition was a big…
Training for the ‘real world’: Students say they would welcome life skills classes
It’s that time of year again when soon-to-be high school graduates eagerly send in their college applications and wait patiently for their dream schools to send back an acceptance letter. In times like these, parents lay solemn as they realize their kids will be off to school in just a…
Why are high school students choosing dual enrollment at NECC?
High school students in Newburyport, and other local communities, 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…
Crowd turns out for U-Knighted Fair
The first in-person U-Knighted Fair since February 2020 drew a sizable crowd in Haverhill’s Spurk building Feb. 23. The annual Student Life event aims to show the diverse extracurricular activities and resources NECC has to offer. The fair filled the first and second floors of the Spurk building with 30…
In-person Speechapalooza to return
Northern Essex Community College’s 8th annual Speechapalooza event will be held in person for the first time in two years! This comes as our community and world try to ease back into some sense of normalcy. The event will take place toward the final weeks of the semester on Thursday, …
COVID-19 and online learning leaves lasting mental health impacts
Massachusetts schools were ordered to be suspended from in-person learning by March 16, 2020, by Gov. Charles Baker. Now in 2022, after a year and a half of online learning students have finally returned to in-person school. But how has the last year and a half affected the mental health of students?…
Help available for students navigating FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid also known as FASFA is an application that the federal government uses to evaluate a student's financial status to know the loans and grants he/she can qualify for. FAFSA for the school year 2022-23 is currently open for students to fill out. It is…
Student leaders advocate for free college bill
Whether you’re into local politics or not – college students across Massachusetts are looking towards a particular bill heading to the State House soon. Student advocates say we have a very real possibility of passing “an act to guarantee debt-free public higher education.” This bill (H.1339) proposes exactly what it sounds…
