Observer Department: News

Students look forward to a new year

and

The year 2020 is coming to an end, and new beginnings are around the corner as this year is almost over. This year has been a whirlwind with a global pandemic causing changes including learning virtually, so this was a special year. Some people are excited about the hope that…

Federal government’s ninth execution of the year raises questions

and

The Federal government’s ninth execution of the year, and the first federal execution in a lame-duck period in 130 years begs the question, Why? Brandon Bernard’s execution on Dec. 10 marks the first execution during a presidential “lame-duck” period in 130 years. The execution was the first in a series…

Tutoring center helps students reach their goals

and

College students, specifically the ones at NECC and first time students, have had their struggles integrating into college life as of late. With this pandemic and getting used to the new virtual learning, many students have had difficulties adjusting to a new learning experience that they still haven’t been accustomed…

Federal pandemic unemployment assistance to expire soon

and

The discontinuance of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is set to leave many unemployed people without financial aid. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by…

Students prep for another online semester

and

The new emphasis towards online learning in the wake of what we hope will be the final stretch of the pandemic, is different for a large majority of students. Northern Essex recently informed their students that they would continue to proceed with classes almost entirely online throughout the spring semester…

Students weigh in on presidential transition

and

2020 has been a year full of unusual and important events, and the presidential election has been one of the many major events. Joe Biden was victorious, but Donald Trump insists that the election was rigged and that he was the true winner, and tried filing for election fraud. Trump…

Students reflect on first semester of online courses

and

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, students have been required to experience college life through virtual events and online curriculum. Participating in online courses instead of in-person classes has greatly influenced the academic involvement of many — both positively and negatively. After speaking with several NECC students, most have…

Students react to rising COVID numbers statewide

and

On 16th and 29th of November three members in total of the NECC community were found to test positive for coronavirus. The cases in Massachusetts overall continue to rise, with 4,747 new cases reported by the Massachusetts Health Department this past Sunday. Students are concerned over the cases on campus.…

Celebrating the holidays during the pandemic

and

The holidays, as festive and jolly as they might seem, can be a stressful time. Adding in a global pandemic that has killed a significant amount of people that has required families and friends to cancel annual traditions, can add to the stress and feelings of depression. There are people…

Courageous Conversations: Giving thanks

and

Courageous Conversations are one of NECC’s student life traditions and remains true to its name. These conversations are designed to bring students together, so they have a chance to engage in truthful, and sometimes difficult dialogues. They are held semi-often and are led by NECC Coordinator of Student Activities, Stephanie…