Tag Archives: Student life

Features

Meet Travis Barrett

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For many high school graduates, living away from home for college is a fresh start, or a free pass from parents. Many college freshman meet new friends, join different clubs, sports teams and make connections that will last a lifetime. For NECC Journalism and Communication student Travis Barrett, it took going off to college to realize what he wanted to strive for in the future.

Twenty-one year old Barrett is a resident of Haverhill, Mass. and is a graduate of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. He was accepted and attended Framingham State University for two years as a business major. He found there was a certain depth to the business world. Although as he continued his education in business, it wasn’t all it seemed to be.

“I learned there was a lot of manipulation and opinions. I did not like that aspect of it at all,” said Barrett.
As time went on he withdrew himself from Framingham State to attend NECC as a General Studies major. He did not like being a business major, and did not know what he wanted to do as a career in the future.

Many students in their first years of college have no clue as to what they want to do in the future. It is highly common with the pressures of finding a job after earning a degree. Many fear what the future may bring– living up to adult responsibilities like paying bills and living independently is intimidating to some.

“I should have went to community college first. I wasn’t quite ready for the four year plan,” said Barrett.
He doesn’t regret any of the time spent at Framingham State. It helped shape and motivate him toward a future he wanted.

“I wouldn’t take back the time spent at Framingham because of the friendships I made there. We’re still friends today,” said Barrett.

Barrett has been with NECC for three semester now including the Spring of 2015. He was a General Studies major for his first semester at NECC, to get grounded and figure out his interests.

While attending NECC, he works at Dunkin Donuts. He balances work and classes, like most community college students.
“One day I was working drive-thru, and a customer said I had an awesome voice and that it would be great for radio, which was really cool,” said Barrett.

A simple compliment from a customer helped inspire Barrett to really think about what he’d enjoy doing in the future.
“I watch and listen to a lot of music and sports radio. The idea kind of morphed into one. I wouldn’t mind sitting around 2 or 3 guys debating, talking and throwing opinions back and forth. I do that everyday,” said Barrett.
It took Barrett one semester to decided getting into sports radio was the right fit for him. Going into the Fall semester of 2014, Barrett switched his major to Journalism and Communication.

He also enrolled in the fairly new co-operational internship program at NECC. Barrett applied to CBS Radio to work with 98.5 The Sports Hub for the Felger and Mazz show with the help of Amy Callahan and Ashley Braggar who help run the program.

Campus Life

NECC Students Talk Fashion

 

By Gabriela Hernandez

With March approaching, NECC students decide to share their fashion knowledge on the most anticipated trends for spring and summer 2015.

While we are still experiencing a harsh winter, Yaniery Martinez, 20, has her mind on showcasing her spring and summer fashion. “I’m so ready for this winter to end! I can’t wait to be able to walk through campus in my Michael Kors flats,” said Martinez.

“When I was little,” she said, “I would go through my mom’s closet and put on her clothes and jewelry and just try on different looks. I just feel like what a person wears says a lot about them and that’s why I always try to look my best.”

Martinez spends a lot of time browsing “Websites like Pinterest, Tumblr and a bunch of fashion and beauty bloggers.” She says it’s “where I get my inspiration from.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve my look without changing my own personal style.”
So what is Martinez’s biggest fashion advice for looking your best this spring and summer? “Pastels and neutrals! They were a hit this winter and they’re staying throughout the spring and summer. A girl can never go wrong with pairing different neutrals together.”

Business Management major Joel Santiago, 21, says he looks forward to taking out his spring and summer clothes. “I always store my clothes when the seasons change and I’ve never been more hyped to take out my spring and summer clothes. It’s been a long time coming,” Santiago said.

Santiago was born in the Dominican Republic and says he gets his fashion inspiration from his culture. “When I went to school in DR, the boys always had to wear their uniform and look real professional even at a young age. I think that’s where I get my style from.”

He said, “In the generation we live in today, young men aren’t really into dressing professionally, they rather dress like their favorite rapper or something but I want to inspire them to finish school and dress for success.”
Nursing major Stephanie Martinez, 18, said, “I’ve always loved wearing black; I think you could never go wrong with black. Occasionally, I’ll get real dressed up and rock red dress or something but black has always been my thing. I think this new season is great reason to bring more color to my wardrobe.”

Campus Life

Cold Temperatures Can Damage Skin

 

By Rachael Sarcione

The student parking lot at NECC’s Haverhill campus may not seem very far from the Spurk building or Bentley Library, but in bitter cold temperatures, the time it takes to walk from the car to the classroom is long enough to cause significant damage to your skin.

Many college students are aware of how dangerous prolonged exposure to the sun can be, but according to licensed aesthetician, Kim Cooper, of Haverhill keeping your skin hydrated in the winter can protect more than one’s outer beauty.

“Even the smallest break in your skin can lead to serious health problems,” said Cooper. “Think of that little crack on your knuckle as a neon ‘Vacancy’ sign for millions of bacteria that want nothing more than to invade your bloodstream.”

Besides being a breeding ground for germs and infection, chapped and broken skin can be very uncomfortable and itchy.

NECC student, Melissa Dow of Amesbury, attends night classes and has to walk from the student lot all the way to the science building.

“I’m kind of doomed with my sensitive skin,” said Dow. “My face gets so cold but if I wrap a scarf around it, I break out in a rash. So I just put on like a pound of moisturizer in the morning and hope for the best.”
Tyler Ksypka juggles classes at NECC and his work schedule at Walgreens.
“I definitely see more sales in moisturizing products during the winter,” said Ksypka. “We keep the shelves well stocked.”

Aside from topical products such as lotions and creams, there are steps you can take, internally, towards proper skin hydration.

“Proper nutrition is a key benefactor in maintaining healthy skin,” said Teri Catalano, of North Andover, a nutrition advisor and dietary aid. “My patients are sick of me telling them to drink more water and eat more fruit.”

News

NECC GSA To Hold Trans Suicide Awareness Bake Sale

 

By Joseph Meli

The NECC Gay/Straight Alliance will be holding a bake sale on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Spurk building lobby. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, an organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on gender identity, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“Events like these are important because the trans community doesn’t get enough attention,” said Kelly Schwing, student president of the GSA. “After the whole Leelah Alcorn tragedy, the amount of attention was great, but there needs to be more.”

Leelah Alcorn was a 17-year-old transgender girl from Ohio who committed suicide in December of last year. In her suicide note, which she published online, she said she wanted her death to have an impact on the national dialogue; consequently, Leelah’s death sparked worldwide discussion about the treatment and representation of trans people in society, and the GSA bake sale will be held in her memory.

GSA member Colby Patrie, who created paintings of Leelah to raffle off at the event, said Leelah’s suicide note — which was posted on Tumblr but has since been removed — inspired the artwork.

“When I read [the note] I was like, ‘This is a serious problem.’ I’ve heard so many stories where trans people have died and their parents bury them with their birth gender and name. And so I said, ‘I want to paint something that represents her as she really was.'”

GSA members believe the easygoing nature of selling baked goods will allow them to more easily start an open dialogue about the sensitive topic with attendees.

“It’s a good, comfortable way to get people to come up to us,” said GSA staffer Sara Ramirez. She expressed hope that, after getting information from club members, participants will leave with an interest in the subject and be compelled to educate themselves on their own time.

Leelah Alcorn is far from alone as a trans victim of suicide. In a report compiled by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Williams Institute, 41% of respondents to a survey for transgender and gender non-conforming adults said they had attempted suicide at some point.

Many of the reasons these people listed as motivators included rejection from family and friends, discrimination when attempting to access healthcare and victimization by law enforcement.

With these sobering facts in mind, Schwing stresses the importance of giving to organizations that support trans people and fight discrimination.

“These are growing problems not just in our community, but in the world as we know it,” she said. “It seems unfair that only in tragedy do these people have light shone on them.”

The event was originally scheduled to take place on Feb. 9, but had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Baked goods will be contributed by GSA members.​

Campus Life

NECCS New Forensic Science Course

 

By Kyle Benson

There’s a new course in town. The Forensic Science course, aimed at Criminal Justice majors, started this past fall semester.

Criminal Justice coordinator Paul Cavan and Professor Mike Cross collaborated to create the class. They figured since Criminal Justice majors need to complete two lab science courses, the students might as well have a lab pertaining to their major other than anatomy and plant biology classes.

Cross, who teaches an array of chemistry courses and science labs, was willing to teach the course.

“I think it was just one of those things where, with my background as an organic chemist, I’m used to dealing with tiny quantities of things and being extremely accurate and precise with all my measurements. A lot of the techniques used in the forensic science lab are the same ones use in a chemistry or biochemistry lab,” said Cross.

“DNA, fingerprinting, all these different techniques are pretty much the same thing, it’s just applied to an actual crime scene rather than just a soil sample that you find on the street.”

The class teaches students to observe, collect, analyze and evaluate evidence found at crime scenes. It also goes over multiple other topics in modern criminal justice.

“Our first week of lab I had two people come up to me after class and start discussing the lab and we hadn’t even actually performed the lab yet, yet they are reading ahead and doing it. That doesn’t typically happen in a regular chemistry class so it’s nice to see so much excitement and enthusiasm and questions instead of just the passive student. I like it when people start to ask questions and they’re interested in finding out a little bit more,” Cross said.

Nathaniel Blair, a student taking the Forensic Science course this semester, said, “It’s a interesting subject. I’ve been interested in it for a while, that’s why I took the class. And also Mike is a very entertaining teacher.”

“The professor always manages to keep it interesting, with his various magic tricks,” said student Paul D’Eon.

Cross is a man of chemistry, forensics and magic, creating a class that is educational and fun for everyone.​

Campus Life

NECC Students and Transfering

 

By Erica Croteau

NECC provides a full advising staff who are in constant contact with many of the four year colleges and universities within Massachusetts and in surrounding states. These staff members assist in the basic legwork that gives students knowledge about the transferring process.

Sarah Parsons, current liberal arts major here at NECC said, “the transferring process intimidates me because I’m unsure of all the information other colleges will need, and how long the process will actually take from start to finish.”

While the transferring process is one with numerous steps and fine details, NECC students have the opportunity to use resources such as the PACE transfer program to figure out what his or her next step is.

PACE or Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence, offers a transfer advising program to all NECC students. From college visits to applications, advisors offer individualized academic and transfer advising plans.

Some students, including future student Emma McElroy, have not been aware that such programs exist on the NECC campus.
McElroy said, “I have never heard of the PACE transfer program. But the fact that they offer help and guidance through the whole process is extremely comforting – knowing that a trained professional is right by your side puts my mind at ease.”
With the intensity and weight that comes along with transferring, students carry a certain amount of anxiety and stress that is lessened by the services and help offered at NECC.

Whether transferring to an instate or out of state university or college, the feelings of being anxious and the rush of excitement makes for a journey that leaves college students feeling ready for a switch.

Business transfer, Hannah Latham, said, “I started at NECC after [I] withdrew from a previous college, just two days before I was supposed to move back in. So I really just want to find somewhere I would like to stay for the rest of my college years.”

With the spring semester coming to a close in just a few short months, students have the opportunity to take advantage of resources such as PACE in order to make their next academic move.

To search possible transfer opportunities, visit Collegeboard.com or visit an advisor at either the Haverhill or Lawrence campuses.

Opinion

Getting Sick of Snowtopia?

 

This past month here in New England can be described in one word: snowy. With record breaking snow falls drowning us in feet of snow every week, these snowy New England winters get old real fast. If you’re like me and are sick of living in cold New England, there’s hope! Take a look at these Top 4 colleges to transfer to after your time at NECC, all of which are located in warmer areas around the U.S.

#4 Coastal Carolina University
Located only 8 miles from beautiful Myrtle Beach, this university is a must for beach lovers. Located in South Carolina, CCU features degrees in business, science, liberal arts and much more. Founded in 1954 CCU, hosts close to 10,000 students each year. During South Carolina’s winter season, the temperature is around 65 degrees which may seem cold to the natives, but for New Englanders, that’s warm! If CCU seems like a match for you visit its website at http://coastal.edu/

#3 University of California, Los Angeles
Located on the opposite side of the country, UCLA is located in Los Angeles, miles from Sunset Blvd. For Hollywood and celebrity fanatics, UCLA could be perfect. With famous Santa Monica and Venice beach just minutes away by bus or car, this University has a lot to offer. UCLA features degrees in anesthesiology, musicology, nursing and over 50 more to choose from UCLA has a lot to offer. Founded in 1919, UCLA host close to 30,000 students each year, so if you’re into big atmospheres consider UCLA your next stop in life. For more information visit their website at http://www.ucla.edu/

#2 Oklahoma State University
Located in the middle of the U.S. in Stillwater, Oklahoma, OSU is a major University in Oklahoma. Home to the OK Sooners, this university is a way to get away from the city and enjoy what the south has to offer. With summer temps reaching close to 100 degrees, if you love the heat, Oklahoma is the place for you. Founded in 1890, OSU hosts more than 30,000 students each year. With degrees in education, arts, and human services, OSU shows just how much the south has to offer. For more info visit http://go.okstate.edu/

#1 Full Sail University
My top pick is located in warm sunny Winterpark, Florida. There is nothing winter about this town. With winter temps in the high 70s and 80s, this is the top spot if you enjoy the warm laid back lifestyle that Florida has to offer. Founded in 1979, FSU hosts close to 15,000. Known as an entertainment school, FSU has degrees in sports broadcasting, computer animation, game art and so much more. FSU has so much to offer and lead you to great opportunities. Located only 25 minutes from Orlando and Disney World, and located near beaches and lakes to relax after your studies, FSU earns its number 1 spot. For more information visit www.fullsail.edu/

Opinion

NECC Students On Netflix

 

By Edwin Henriquez

NECC students prefer streaming films and shows rather than buying them.

Services like Hulu and Netflix have become a juggernaut in the entertainment industry. With millions of subscribers signed up for these streaming services, the question that remains is “Are the cable and theater companies in trouble?”

According to oppositeviews.com, “CNBC reported that 30 percent of viewers ages 18 to 24, and 37 percent of viewers ages 25 to 34, had given up paying for cable tv in favor of using Netflix.

Ericrettberg.com wrote, “Since Netflix can be accessed anywhere there is internet access, it does indeed take away sales from simple things such as paying to rent a movie on a plane, buying a DVD at a store, or even going to the movies.” NECC students share similar outlooks to those in the media.

A computer science major from NECC, Steve Vega says that Netflix is really cheap and the movie and show titles are endless. Vega goes on to say, “If Netflix showed football games, I would cancel my cable.”

An accounting major at NECC, Vince Rabkin, says that Netflix is very convenient for him. Rabkin said, “House of Cards has become my favorite show, Netflix is doing a good job at producing their own programing.”

Another NECC student, Nicholas Morris, said that although Netflix is a valuable service to have, he does not plan to get rid of his cable.

The overwhelming number of positive reviews has proved that Netflix is here to stay. It will be interesting to see what steps the cable and theater industries use to combat these opposing forces.

Campus Life

NECC PACE Transfer Advisor Highlights Program’s Purpose

 

By Erica Croteau

Because NECC houses more than 70 associate’s degree programs and certificates, students are able to transfer out of the community college with a degree in hand. While the transferring process includes several steps and fine details, the PACE transfer program assists students from start to finish.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, PACE is able to support first-generation, income eligible students with graduation and transfer processes. While being funded by the government, PACE is only able to service NECC students who meet criteria that is purposely outlined by the government.

Once deemed eligible, students are able to meet with advisors in order to see what needs can be met and what steps can be taken.

NECC transfer advisor, Kristen Arnold, said, “my goal is to meet one-on-one with all our students to help them clarify their career and transfer goals.”

During this process, advisors implement a transfer questionnaire that allows them to understand factors that will ultimately sway a student’s decision to transfer. This could include aspects such as a student’s intended major, a price range and whether or not he or she plans to commute. Once these factors are outlined, students and advisors can work together to create an appropriate application list that will allow them to move forward in the process.

As the transfer process includes many steps and details, Arnold voiced that paperwork becomes one of the most difficult challenges when going through the process.

“Depending on where students apply and how many colleges they decide to apply to – the paperwork can get a bit complicated. It’s really important to stay organized and ask your advisor for help when there is something you receive that you don’t understand,” said Arnold.

While the process could pose some difficulties, Arnold has seen that starting out at NECC makes a difference in several aspects of a student’s academic career. When asked if NECC transfer students have been properly prepared academically, Arnold said, “our students do very well when they transfer and transfer admissions staff have also commented to me on how well prepared our students are for upper level coursework.”

From start to finish, PACE offers eligible students the chance to make that successful transition while making sure that each step is checked off and completed correctly along the way.

With spots currently open in the PACE transfer program, reach out to Kristen Arnold atkarnold@necc.mass.edu to see if you are eligible for their services.

Features

Faces of the Sport and Fitness Center

 

Nodine Webster, a newcomer to NECC last semester, is a personal fitness major at NECC. She plans to transfer to Framingham State University once her time at NECC is done, and is passionate about both education and fitness. Webster started working at the Sport and Fitness Center last semester. “When I took the tour here, I just felt like it was a welcome environment, and I have always loved fitness even before coming here,” said Webster.
Webster’s job at the Sport and Fitness Center is part of NECC’s Work Study program. These jobs are great for students who want to get hands on experience in whichever field they are pursuing. Some of Webster’s duties while working in the Sport and Fitness Center include helping students who come in to exercise, computer skills, cleaning the machinery and equipment and making sure everything is organized. “It’s kind of like what you would actually do in an actual fitness center outside of school,” said Webster.
“A lot of people had asked me to help them and help them understand how to do a proper work out,” Webster said. “It allowed a lot of people to connect actually, it’s a great environment. Working with the people is my favorite part, the fitness to me is a no judgment zone — so you do what you want, and work out the way you want, and it works without people judging you.”
Webster is also the pitcher on NECC’s softball team, and the Sport and Fitness Center and work study program help her prepare for the upcoming season. “I come to the gym to train harder, and be prepared for this upcoming softball season, because I’ll be pitching. The program has been building, so I’m hoping to get a lot more fans,” said Webster.
The Sport and Fitness Center is open to all students for free. Joe Murach, a Physical Education major goes to the gym “just to get stronger,” he said.
Students of all different majors and with all different goals take advantage of the Sport and Fitness Center too. Ernest Ewusi, a radiology major, said “I’m just working on my soccer and parkour skills.”
The Sport and Fitness Center’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s a Boot Camp offered on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Functional Movement classes on Thursday at 11 a.m., at 11am on Thursdays, and Cardio Boxing on Tuesdays at 4 p.m.