Tag Archives: Campus life

Campus Life, Features

Opportunity Works’ Justin Sanchez

 
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Walking into Opportunity Works, you hear classical music playing from the welcome desk. The staff instantly greet you, and quickly help you get to where you need to go.

The building may be new, but the bonds between the staff and students there are richly rooted. Each person has a profound story to tell, like Justin Sanchez.

Justin Sanchez is 27 years old and has been at the Haverhill location of Opportunity Works for about six months.

Sanchez is in Club 22, works as a receptionist at Opportunity Works, and has the name of “helper” with math, cooking, and much more. Club 22 is a program “for people with disabilities: it helps you achieve goals, the staff helps you out,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez was born into divorce, and his sister’s father raised him.

“I was a terrible baby, threw toys at my door,” he said.  

“I’m a caring person, I treat people with respect … I’m here if anyone needs to talk, I don’t like it when people are sad. Oh yeah, I’m Puerto Rican –          I speak Spanish and French.”

When he was just a baby he traveled to the Dominican Republic. “I got bit by something, (which meant) I had to relearn everything… it was scary,” he said.

Sanchez took all the pain, obstacles, negativity and doubt thrown at him, and simply decided being a stronger man was more important than staying down on himself for the rest of his life.

Destiny Farley, a friend from high school, said that one of Sanchez’s best qualities is his sense of humor. “He’s a jokester; always laughing, smiling.”

In middle and high school, Sanchez got straight A’s in addition to playing football, basketball and baseball.

To him, nothing else matters except “to make people happy. I don’t like it when people are sad, it makes me sad.” Through all his struggles, he still wanted to help others be happy. “Without confidence, you can’t succeed in life,” he said. Sanchez has found his passion in public speaking. He has even spoken at the Opportunity Works annual golf tournament at the Haverhill Country Club.

“Public speaking for Opportunity Works is my favorite thing because I’m confident in what I’m doing. I’m not afraid,” said Sanchez.

The staff of Opportunity Works know Justin Sanchez well, collectively applauding his helpful nature. Just walking down the hallways with Justin and talking, people stopped Justin to high five him and say something about his character. Sanchez said,

“Debbie is my favorite person at Opportunity Works. She is a down to earth person, helps you wherever you’re stuck- like I can’t count money, she helps me out.”

Staff coordinator Deborah “Debbie” Hogan-Vicente reciprocated this affection, saying that Sanchez is “a great guy. He is a pleasure to have in our Club 22 program. He is also very helpful when needed.”

“He always has clever things to say. He’s witty, cheerful, caring, shows a genuine interest in others,” said Jim Field, Job Developer in Project Research for Opportunity Works.

Sanchez will be going through the Project Research Program in October to find a job. He aspires to be in forensics.

“I watch ‘Two and a Half Men,’ but my favorite is ‘CSI Miami,’ ‘CSI Cyber,’ anything like that – that’s what I want to do in life,” he said with an optimistic smile.

 

Arts and Entertainment, Campus Life, Features, News

“Haverhill’s Archie” – Fact or Legend?

 
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Local legend holds that artist Bob Montana created the Archie comic strip and based the characters, at least in part, on his Haverhill High School peers. The truth of this claim has always been somewhat of a mystery; it seems to be contradicted in a few places, including by the original publisher of the comic strip, John L. Goldwater.

Goldwater is quoted as saying that he modeled the characters largely after people that he met while traveling throughout the Midwest as a reporter. Goldwater is also said to have attended school in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, and Riverdale is the name of the fictional town from where Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the Archie gang hail.

When the comic was first released in Nov. 1941, it was clear that Riverdale was located in Massachusetts. The high school depicted in the comic also seems to have been modeled after the original Haverhill High School, which is now City Hall.

The comic, still popular after 60 years, included hints as to the location of Riverdale in each issue in 2002 but at the end of the year, it was revealed that Riverdale would be given no official location. Some believed the hints pointed to Riverdale being located in the the Missouri area.

Cambridge-based film critic Gerald Peary has been a fan of the Archie comics since the ’50s, but his interest was really piqued in the ’80s. He read a letter to the editor in the Boston Globe from a Haverhill librarian, who stated that the Archie characters were alive and well living in Haverhill.

It was at that time Peary began his journey to find the real Archie characters. He created a documentary about what he uncovered called “Archie’s Betty” and is stopping in Haverhill next month as part of a nationwide tour.

In celebration of Haverhill’s 375th anniversary, NECC, Buttonwoods Museum and The Haverhill Historical Society are hosting two free showings of the film on Oct. 1 at 3 and 6:30 p.m. in the Hartleb Technology Center. An exhibit of Montana’s work and the original work of NECC students will be on display in the Linda Hummel ArtSpace from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31.

 

Sports

Coach Bradley Brings Back Cross Country to NECC

 

Northern Essex Athletics has not offered a cross country program in seven years. There hasn’t been a coach or enough students to fill out a team. Now, after all this time, they are bringing the program back thanks to new head coach Thomas Bradley.

Bradley has accomplished many things in his life. He grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., graduated from the Military Academy at West Point and ended up a captain in the U.S. Army for five years. After that part of his life, he worked on Wall Street and several banks.

For about 38 years now, he has been coaching multiple sports at different schools around New England. When asked what sport he enjoys coaching the most, he always says the same thing: cross country.

The last job Bradley had before Northern Essex was head coach of the cross country team at Wilmington High School, where he coached for 18 years. With Wilmington he also coached the girl’s basketball team, showing the high school his love and dedication to sports.

At the end of his 18 years at Wilmington High, he announced his retirement. His retirement didn’t last too long though.

Bradley saw an ad in the Eagle-Tribune that Northern Essex needed a head coach for cross country and decided to contact Athletic Director Sue MacAvoy. When he met with MacAvoy, he learned that he would actually be bringing back the program. He reacted positively to the news and is ready for the new challenge.

His retirement barely lasted a whole summer. He just couldn’t stay away.

“A lot of it has just been fun. As long as I stay healthy I can see myself sticking around for a while,” Bradley said.

The cross country team has five scheduled meets this season. It will be a new experience for Bradley, because this is his first time coaching at the college level.

Bradley is now recruiting all students who may be interested in running cross country. Those interested can reach him at tbradley@necc.mass.edu.

Campus Life, Features

Campus Accessibility

 
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Accessibility at Northern Essex has long been a hot-button issue. The outdated elevators, the cracks in the ramps, the ice and snow in the winter — it all falls under the umbrella of accessibility concerns.

With the Spurk Building being renovated this upcoming year, some may wonder what upgrades are going to be made to improve accessibility. Susan Martin, director of Learning Accommodations, is an advocate for the issue. Martin has pitched the idea of “universal design.” Universal design would make improvements with certain disabilities in mind but would benefit the community as a whole.

These ideas include higher, larger desks in the rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs. Right now, readers may notice one or two desks in the classrooms that are larger, but in Martin’s ideal world, a wheelchair would fit comfortably anywhere in the class.

Universal design also involves the ramps that anyone can use. Whether someone is using them because they are disabled, rolling a bag behind them or just tired after a long day of running to class, Martin points out that this is another positive effect of universal design.

There is an elevator in every building, with E and B sharing one where they intersect. Leading into the Hawrylciw Theater on the top floor of Spurk is a wheelchair lift. Last December, before a performance of “A Christmas Carol,” the wheelchair lift failed. The woman, and her wheelchair, had to be carried down the remaining stairs.

“I do get a few of those (complaints),” said Martin, who also explained that there are records of each complaint and the respective follow-up. When there is an undocumented issue and students voice their concerns later down the line, Martin said, “We don’t often know all of the details … If (students) have what (they) believe is an ‘access issue’ now or in the future please do not hesitate to contact Justine Caron.”

There is an Access Committee that meets just once a year to discuss accessibility concerns and improvements. Martin is a part of the committee along with previously mentioned Justine Caron, the ADA Compliance Officer on campus. The committee was founded in 1998 with the responsibility to “review, discuss and recommend items for a campus-wide access plan in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,” according to an email from Martin.

There is a meeting to discuss the Spurk renovation plans on Oct. 8 in the Technology Center, room 103 at noon.

The Observer invites you to share your experiences with accessibility on campus. Contact Kelly at observer@necc.mass.edu.

 

Arts and Entertainment, Features, News

ArtSpace Dedication

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Over the summer, the ArtSpace located in a remote corner of the Bentley Library received a new name and some well deserved attention during a dedication ceremony on May 15.  So did Linda Hummel-Shea, for whom the space was renamed.  Hummel-Shea started at NECC as a part-time librarian 35 years ago and retired last June as the assistant dean of libraries.   Throughout the years, this space had been used for a variety of purposes, including a conference room and a place for hosting large events, but in 2009, after a unanimous vote, it was decided that the space would be recreated as “…a long desired and needed location for the students, faculty and community to display their work.” said Mike Hearn at the dedication ceremony.  Hearn is the college’s director of libraries and he emceed the dedication ceremony. “The artspace would not exist as it is today  had it not been for the vision and support and  tenacity of Linda Hummel-Shea.” said Hearn.
Continue reading ArtSpace Dedication →

News

NECC Parking Accrues More Controversy

 

NECC’s parking permit policy is in its third semester of employment and it is still stirring up controversy. The passes themselves cost $8.50 for students and adjunct faculty per semester and $17 for full-time faculty for the academic year. Although they are inexpensive when compared to other colleges’ parking passes, some faculty, staff and students still dislike them based on the principle of the matter.

Lt. Dan Tirone, operations commander of security for the Haverhill campus, said that the permits are disliked but very helpful. In situations where someone has left their lights on or has gotten into an accident, the permit system makes it easier to locate the owners of the cars involved and handle the situation. Tirone said, by administration’s standards, the main purpose of the permits is to keep tabs on who is on campus.

If a student, staff or faculty member gets a new car or has to take a car that isn’t theirs to the school, they have to notify security that there is a vehicle in the lot that belongs to someone with a permit, without a visible permit. “It’s imperative to come in if you have a different car and let us know so we can give you a temporary pass,” said Tirone.

Tirone said that there are two or three rounds a day in the different lots to look for violators of the parking policy, depending on how busy campus is that day. Weather conditions rarely affect rounds.
“I’m not going to put my people in harm’s way but weather doesn’t matter. That would be unfair to people paying for permits. People without permits could be taking those spots closer to their building that they’re actually paying for,” said Tirone.

“We see more people going for free parking more in the fall in Haverhill,” said Tirone. The nicer weather makes the walk from the Tech Center to wherever people are heading a lot easier.
The Buckley Garage in Lawrence isn’t a very far walk no matter the weather. Lt. Tirone said, “Lawrence [security] has to be more careful because they’re downtown with meters. More people try to sneak in.”

The only people exempt from buying permits are those with handicap placards and plates. State law states that as long as these drivers are parked in handicapped spots, they cannot be ticketed.

When cars without permits park in permit-only areas and get ticketed, they can be issued a fine. The fines collected throughout the year do not disappear but can be appealed in person at the security office or online where the permits are sold. Unpaid fines do not affect your ability to sign up for classes, petition to graduate or anything else having to do with academics, but they do accrue interest.

For those still against paying for permits, Tirone says there are roughly 300 or 400 non-permit parking spots next to the Hartleb Technology Center in Haverhill, and the Buckley Garage offers free parking for the Lawrence campus.

News

NECC Hosts First Speechapalooza

 

NECC’s first Speechapalooza event took place on Wednesday, April 8 in the Spurk building. The event was planned and promoted by Professor Amy Callahan’s Principles of Public Relations class.

Speechapoolza is a public speaking event that promotes student empowerment and gives student speakers the opportunity to present their work done in previous classes at NECC.

Professor Amy Callahan created this event because she wanted a chance to showcase the inspiring work her students do in public speaking and public presentation classes at NECC.

“I wanted to create a venue to celebrate these students and allow them to share their work with a larger audience,” said Callahan.

Students who participated in Speechapalooza gave five to ten minute presentations on various topics. Some of these topics included, the history of the chocolate chip cookie, sexualized images of women in media and graffiti as propaganda.

Shaina Richards, communication major at NECC, spoke about sexualized images of women in media.

“Getting the opportunity to speak in front of a larger group of people than I previously have in class settings was exciting and nerve-racking. One of my personal goals has become to improve my public speaking skills, and this was a great opportunity for me to be able to do that,” said Richards.

Being able to be a part of this event and speak to an audience about how the media sexualizes women was important to Richards.

“I identify as a feminist and am very passionate about women being treated and seen as equals to men. I’m probably going to continue to write and hopefully speak on this subject in the future,” said Richards.

According to a newsletter written by NECC President Lane Glenn, “An event like Speechapalooza brings you the best that colleges have to offer their communities and the world: the academic freedom, the critical thinking, and the voices of our students—tomorrow’s opinion-makers and leaders of change.”

“This event was a celebration of free speech and student voices, and I think the spirit of the event came across. It was meaningful because lots of people showed up to listen to students. In that way this event was about the importance of listening to each other — listening to young people — as much as it was about students demonstrating their public speaking skills” said Callahan.

Students and faculty can expect another Speechapalooza next year according to Callahan.

News

NECC Spring Jam

 

Spring Jam was held on the quadrangle on the Haverhill campus on Wednesday, April 15.

Club tables were set up to hand out different information to the students to make them aware of what goes on on campus and what they can get involved in. They had information regarding health, volunteering and fun stuff activities as well.

The student Senate held a hula hooping contest, where students could win little gifts for participating and chatting with student senators who were there working the event.

Kim Daigle, a paramedic student said, “It’s fun talking to new students and potentially new senators. I love being involved and I would love to get the students as passionate as I am — Spring Jam was the perfect place to do that.”

Along with the hula hooping contest, the Sport and Fitness department held a couple different activities. They held a limbo contest as well as a ladder ball competition. Donna Passemato, an exercise science major said, “its good to get out and get some fresh air. Plus you can have fun playing games and maybe get a little bit of a workout. “

Student Engagement passed out free cotton candy — The students seemed to enjoy this because the people making the cotton candy were absolutely covered in it from head to toe. Ari Chiklis and Kadee Tapley both who work in the student engagement center had the cotton candy in their hair.

Most of the clubs on campus were there so students could learn about what they do and how to join them. One of the clubs that put on a special talent show was the Community Outreach Club — they had an array of performers, some a little more controversial than others, but overall it seemed everyone watching the show enjoyed it

Kristen Curry, a general studies student said, “I really enjoyed the show, they had some gutsy people to get up there and sing — I could never do that.”

Curry was watching the show while waiting for her foam finger that was getting her name put on it in bright graffiti. A few students were upset that they waited in line and were not able to get a foam finger because of the high school students visiting for the “College for a Day” event.

Daigle said, “I saw a few people upset over that — they said it was not fair that they did not get them. They were pulled aside and a happy medium was accomplished.”

The Spring Jam event for the Lawrence Campus will take place on April 29 on the patio of the Dimitry Building.

Campus Life

GSA Welcomes Potential Students at Spring Jam

 

During NECC’s College for a Day, which happened alongside the annual Spring Jam celebration on April 15, high schoolers from around the area visited to get an idea of what the average day in college is like. In an effort to help the LGBTQ+ demographic feel more welcome, the GSA set up a table outside where these students could ask questions about the organization and sign up for a list to receive news and information via email. In the spirit of celebration that comes along with Spring Jam, those at the GSA table handed out candy and stickers.

Kelly Schwing leads the group as student president, explaining the possible benefits for those entering higher education for the first time.

“Having the GSA could make the transition from high school to college a little easier,” she said. “Students in the LGBTQ+ community sometimes find themselves feeling left out and the GSA gives them a place to hang their hat.”

Of course, transitioning to college is overwhelming for almost anyone, but there’s an added level of stress for those who identify somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. According to a national report compiled by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, “more than 60 percent of LGBTQ+ students do not feel safe in schools because of their sexual orientation, and 38.4 percent do not feel safe because of their gender expression.”

Colby Patrie, another member of the GSA, explained how having a safe space benefited him during his transition to college.

“In high school, I was the only openly gay, genderqueer student,” he said. “No one else knew what that was, and I was harassed for it all the time until I stopped talking about it out of fear. Transitioning to college was rough for me . . . I was scared of what other students would think of me. The GSA was my first club I joined when I came to NECC . . .
“I remember they were talking about the transgender panel they were making, and I shyly raised my hand and asked if genderqueer could be added as well. They said they thought it was a wonderful idea, and from then on I made friends, I opened up, and I am so glad that every Friday I look forward to being able to talk about my personal issues without feeling judged.”

Patrie isn’t alone; students who have organizations like the GSA available to them generally have a better experience at college. Researchers from the California Safe Schools Coalition found a link between safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and feelings of safety among all students attending that school. Results from the survey found that “76 percent of students who attended a school with a GSA felt safe, versus 69 percent of students who attended a school without a GSA.”

“The GSA is a safe environment,” said Sara Ramirez, a student staff member of the group. “Our officers are equipped with phone numbers and assistance to help anyone. Our members have knowledge of different types of people, and we have a trigger warning protocol.”
Students who go to a school with a GSA don’t just feel safer — they are safer. The sex education provided by such student organizations often has a ripple effect beyond those within the group.

For example, students in schools with a GSA are more able to name faculty they feel safe with, less likely to be victims of dating violence and/or harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

“The GSA is one of the most accepting places on campus,” said Patrie. “Even if you’re not in the LGBTQ+ community, everyone is always welcome to come by and see what we’re all about.”

News

Expansion on Lawrence Campus

 

“This is big news,” said NECC President Lane Glenn, referring to the upcoming expansion of the Lawrence campus. “We expect to be welcoming two new college partners.”

Having these new partners will enable students to get a bachelor’s degree in several majors right on the Lawrence campus.

Regis College, a private college in Massachusetts, will offer students a BA in nursing, public health, and health science. Lyndon State College will offer a BA in Information Technology, a BFA in Graphic Design, and a BA in Visual Communication and Music Business. This is the first time bachelor’s degrees in these majors will be available in Lawrence.
The college is also hoping to open a Regional Public Safety Center in the next few years, and are currently looking for funding for the building. According to Glenn, the facility will be a “new police center for the city of Lawrence as well as a training center for college students.”

The opening of this center would make Lawrence the “premier location for police training in the Northeast,” he said.

The Lawrence campus will be offering “more tutoring services and more developmental coursework, replicating what’s happening on the Haverhill campus,” said NECC Dean Chuck Phair. NECC hopes to create more opportunities for students at Lawrence High School to become involved with dual enrollment.

Glenn also expressed interest in rehabilitating some of the facilities themselves. “We’re hoping to renovate the Dimitry building and the library on the Lawrence campus,” he said.
The college has been working with the city of Lawrence to improve the Buckley parking garage. As part of this, increased lighting in the garage will help students walking to and from their cars feel more safe and secure.