Features
The positives and negatives of social media
I remember when I first got Facebook when I was 13 years old. It was my first social media account and I was so excited. I remember my father telling me, “pretend like I can read everything you write and only publish what you think is appropriate.” That has stuck with me ever since and … Continue reading The positives and negatives of social media → Read More
Reconsidering screen time
During these challenging times, we seem to have a greater relationship with our devices to fill the void of our boredom, especially in the beginning of the pandemic when the entire world was on lockdown and all we could do was binge watch Tiger King on Netflix, make whipped coffee and do the latest Tik-Tok … Continue reading Reconsidering screen time → Read More
Holidays in a pandemic
No matter what your typical traditions may entail, this holiday season is most definitely going to look a little different this year. With the aim to keep family members and loved ones safe, many people are avoiding huge family parties or going out at all. “This year’s going to be really different for my family, … Continue reading Holidays in a pandemic → Read More
COVID-19 consolation: Vaccine is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel
Photo courtesy of mass.gov
On Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for emergency use in the United States. For many, this is a long-awaited relief and for others a cause for further concern. Jocelyn Avila, 20, of North Andover, says she would like to get the vaccine after seeing how it works for others. Mirrorajah Metcalfe, 19, of Hav... Read More
PPE everywhere: The pandemic has led to increased littering
Isa Grullon
A collage of various examples of personal protectice equipment litter.
At this point, people all over, young and old, are familiar with personal protective equipment, of PPE, like masks and gloves. Mirrorajah Metcalfe, 19, of Haverhill wears PPE when she goes to work at Market Basket and disposes of it in a trash can when done. Jocelyn Avila, 20, of North Andover uses gloves and reusable masks as often as possible to do her … Continue rea... Read More
How NECC students plan to spend the holidays this winter break
As Christmas, New Years, and winter break swiftly approach, one semester at NECC is coming to an end. Because the coronavirus pandemic caused significant disarray for most throughout the last several months, many are feeling excited and relieved about this upcoming conclusion. After speaking with numerous NECC students regarding their holiday plans and traditions, they &hellip... Read More
An overview of Fall Semester 2020
2020 has been a roller-coaster of a year, and it has been something that we have never experienced in our lives before and would be some story to tell to future generations. Most adults who work regular nine to five jobs were affected with this on-going pandemic through the first couple of months, but since … Continue reading An overview of Fall Semester 2020 → Read More
A youthful Christmas
It is that time of the year again… Christmas season is upon us. The holidays have a way of brining us back to the childhood memories of family and presents. For the holiday spirit we thought it would be nice to interview kids ranging from ages 3-10 about their up-and-coming Christmas celebrations and whether they … Continue reading A youthful Christmas → Read More
Redefining relationships during COVID: How the pandemic has changed the way we socialize
Observer Staff
Gyani Pradhan Wong Ah Sui and his father, brother and mother before COVID-19. Photo by: Gyani Pradhan Wong Ah Sui
People are naturally social creatures, so it should come as no surprise that a pandemic which is best fought with isolation, would take a toll on our relationships. Jocelyn Avila, 20, of North Andover, has noticed a change in her relationships during the pandemic. Avila, who studies journalism and communications and works at a Digital Federal Credit Union as a customer service... Read More
American Dream Profile Series: Xiqiang Hong
Xiqiang Hong lived through the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966 and eventually immigrated to the United States. I was given the privilege to talk to him about his thoughts on the American Dream and how his life experiences shaped his perception. When I spoke with him, he was very friendly, but also very practical and … Continue reading American Dream Profile Series: X... Read More