Features
College in the era of COVID: Students navigate remote learning
Photo by Mirrorajah Metcalfe
Mirrorajah Metcalf does schoolwork on her laptop in her bedroom.
Since March 2020, NECC students have found themselves enrolled in a crash course in remote learning. For many students this would be their first experience taking classes exclusively online. Erika Rivera, 19, a journalism and communications major from Lawrence, had never taken an online class before the coronavirus outbreak as she prefers to learn in person. “Being at home ma... Read More
Lessons learned from quarantine
The coronavirus has had its grip on the entire world for the better part of 2020. As human beings it is in our nature to learn, grow, and thrive in the face of adversity. While we continue to fight through this pandemic, many people are noticing things about themselves that perhaps would not have been … Continue reading Lessons learned from quarantine → Read More
Digital solace: Local IT support specialist assists with tech literacy
Observer Staff
Angel Garcia and family celebrate New Year’s 2020.
Angel Garcia, 34, of Lawrence is using his Associate of Science degree from Middlesex Community College with a focus in computer software and networking to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic I’ve been helping friends and family stay or get connected online. Whether it’s getting the kids online so they … Continue reading Digi... Read More
The nurse becomes the patient: A personal encounter with COVID-19
Observer Staff
Angela Pagliuca
Angela Pagliuca, 33, of Revere is a registered nurse. She works on a gynecology oncology and surgical unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She also works per diem at Eastpointe in Chelsea. “I do a lot! ” she said with a laugh. On March 19, Pagliuca received a phone call. Someone she had been … Continue reading The nurse becomes the patient: A personal... Read More
The new normal: An essential worker’s efforts to stay safe and sane
Photo by Sports Editor John Mulcahy
Coach Jeffrey Mejia speaks with the team after a win against Bunker Hill.
Courtesy photo Cindy Mejia, 32, is a Lawrence resident, former NECC student, fitness coach and essential employee during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a buyer for Asahi America. “They are a plastic valves and pipe company, considered essential because we provide materials to hospitals,” she said. Mejia’s employer has taken … Continue reading The new normal: An ... Read More
An essential worker shares her story
As a journalism student it is difficult to write about oneself, it’s discouraged really. However, as a student, single parent, essential healthcare worker, potentially high-risk individual in the middle of a pandemic, I am compelled to share my story. My name is Isae Grullon. I am 33 years old. I am the mother of … Continue reading An essential worker shares her story ... Read More
COVID-19 hits home: What public service looks like during a pandemic
Cesar Gonzalez Tellez
Image of the front page of the current issue of The Observer
Joshua Alba, 36, is a Lawrence resident, and a Raíz Organizer for Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. Alba also attended NECC but was unable to graduate due to financial reasons. He has since “focused on working specifically to help create justice in our community.” Alba also serves on the Lawrence School Committee for District D. During the COVID-19 pandemic Al... Read More
Spring Style
Students describe their sense of fashion as the warm weather approaches Everyone is ready for summer, and as finals kick in and the semester comes to an end we are ready to receive and soak up the nice weather. Students all over campus enjoy dressing up and not having to layer up as the warm … Continue reading Spring Style → Read More
Leading for change at NECC
Students speak on ways to improve life on campus It is no question that Northern Essex is a diverse school. Not only does Northern Essex offer education to people of any age but to people of any background. Every semester, NECC gets a variety of students from around the world looking to pursue their academic … Continue reading Leading for change at NECC → Read More
Style reflects season
As the nice weather starts to make an appearance, we welcome spring here at Northern Essex. Students are starting to brighten up their wardrobe with lighter spring jackets, brighter colors, and happy smiles. The outfit options have expanded. Normally in the winter students tend to layer up and bundle up, with spring arriving, there are … Continue reading Style reflects s... Read More