Press "Enter" to skip to content

The Mount Observer

(Archive December 2019) The Richard Michelson Picture Show

By editorialteam on December 9, 2019

Artist Recalls Early Days and Inspiration

By Nicholas Papini | Observer Contributor

Richard Michelson, artist, author, and owner of the R. Michelson Gallery in Northampton, MA, stated that western Massachusetts is the center of children’s book illustrations in the United States.

Michelson is an award-winning children’s book author and acclaimed poet, and his gallery features 240 artists. He held a gallery talk in the East Wing Gallery which featured work from several of the artists under his banner, including Jules Feiffer, Mordicai Gerstein, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and Mo Willems. read more

(Archive December 2019) Running Down a Dream

By editorialteam on December 7, 2019

Profile: Ryan Lyesiuk

By Brandon Feliz | Observer Contributor

Ryan Lyesiuk, 40, is an avid marathon runner. Rather than running for better health, Lyesiuk runs for pure enjoyment. It all started at a young age, he says, running in the summer with his brother as his brother trained for the upcoming football season. From then on it slowly became a major part of his life.

After a break during the college years from age 20 to 25, Lyesiuk started running competitively at the age of 30. The 2011 Manchester City Marathon was his first marathon. read more

(Archive December 2019) The Write Way to Research

By editorialteam on December 7, 2019

Librarian Offers Tips on Writing Research Papers

By Nicholas Papini | Observer Contributor

One research librarian believes that one of the greatest mistakes students make in writing a research paper is not asking for help.

Ellen Pratt, a distance education and outreach librarian, mentioned how the library has numerous resources available for students, but that many students do not use them.

“Reaching out for help is an underdeveloped skill in a lot of students,” said Pratt. When students are utilizing a database and not getting any results, they blame the database for the issue. They may even decide that the database is not a helpful tool. However, Pratt stressed that there are tools available to help them. Library assistants are one, but there are resources on the MWCC website, as well. The MOOC video tutorials contain numerous tips and tricks. There are also research guides on the website under the Start Your Research tab. read more

(Archive December 2019) Lights, Camera, Action

By editorialteam on December 6, 2019

Profile: Hannah Bennett

By Maya Douglas | Observer Contributor

Hannah Bennett, 18, of Phillipston, works as a media assistant at Templeton Community TV (TCTV). Bennett’s dream is to become a professional screenwriter. Working for TCTV is good hands on experience towards her goal.

“The best way to get into the industry is to already be in it,” Bennett said.

The role of Media Assistant encompasses every aspect of working for a cable channel: editor, creator, and filmer. Bennett also assists in keeping the YouTube channel active. Bennett works as a camera person and she also edits film. She’s in charge of cutting out mistakes and putting in transitions to ensure the smoothness of the broadcast. She has also interviewed people from town officials to civil war reenactors. read more

(Archive December 2019) Become Your Own Boss

By editorialteam on December 5, 2019

Business Professor Shares Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

By Ryan Lyesiuk | Observer Contributor

Many students dream of becoming entrepreneurs someday, but for numerous reasons they choose not to follow this dream. Whether it’s from fear or lack of confidence, the decision not to follow your passion and become an entrepreneur is a mistake students make, according to Nicholas Cochrane, Assistant Professor of Business and Management.

There are many excellent benefits to being an entrepreneur, according to Cochrane. “It’s great to be your own boss,” and “It allows you to create your own schedule,” he said. Cochrane says building your own schedule is an enormous benefit to working for yourself, especially as a busy college student. read more

(Archive December 2019) A Farm-Fresh Feast

By editorialteam on December 5, 2019

Farmer’s Market Provides Fresh Food for All

By Marissa Shea | Observer Contributor

The Brewer Center runs the Food for Thought food pantry – a widely used resource on campus that helps provide students in need with meals.

Shelly Nicholson, the director at the Brewer Center for Civic and Community Engagement, helped organize a farmer’s market on campus to provide fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients to students. She is on the board of Growing Places, a Leominster company whose mission is to “…inspire and connect the North Central, MA community to create equitable access to healthy food and environmental sustainability through education, collaboration and advocacy.” read more

(Archive December 2019) Getting Down to Business

By editorialteam on December 4, 2019

Business Society Prepares Students for the Corporate World

By Alyssa Gammel | Observer Contributor

The Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honors Society is a selective group or exclusively business majors.

“Students must keep their GPA at 3.0 or higher with 15 credited hours within the school,” said club president Alicia Hatch. ABG is also connected to the Chamber of Commerce which means that members can go to different networking expos.

The induction process includes lunch with a guest speaker, certificates and pins being handed out, and each new member must recite a quote. According to Hatch, members will always have a connection to ABG, even after they graduate. Past, present, and future members are always invited to events held by the group. read more

(Archive December 2019) The Drive to Succeed

By editorialteam on December 4, 2019

Profile: Eric Howell

By Kristopher Madden | Observer Contributor

Working at Speedway in New Ipswich, Eric Howell has a lot of time to think about his passion – cars. He’s not sure what he wants to do with them, but Howell knows his future is in the automotive industry.

“I’m not really sure what I want to do, but I love working with cars,” said Howell. “I have a really good eye for design.”

Howell is pursuing his Liberal Arts degree so that he can transfer to a four year school, most likely Fitchburg State University. He comes from a long line of college graduates and feels the desire to follow in his older sister’s footsteps and go to the Mount. read more

(Archive December 2019) Civil Discourse

By editorialteam on December 3, 2019

Students Discuss Politics in New Civics Club

By Ryan Lyesiuk | Observer Contributor

Government and the rights and roles of citizens are some of the topics covered in the all-new, student run Civics Club.

According to Professor James Korman, who will provide guidance and support for the club members, students will “meet face-to-face with elected advisors (fellow students) – not teachers – when organizing these meetings.”

Understand United States civics is a key factor in understanding how the economic and political systems are closely connected. “Grasping knowledge in both areas is essential in order to be successful upon graduation,” Korman noted. read more

(Archive December 2019) Opportunity Knocks

By editorialteam on December 3, 2019

Transitions to College program prepares adults for higher education

By Maya Douglas | Observer Contributor

The Transitions to College program is a grant funded program which supports non-traidtional students to ease their way into the college lifestyle.

The program is led by Kim Kayser, program advisor and coordinator. Kayser’s goal for the program is to be able to accept more students in the future, since the program has a limited number of slots and there is a waiting list. Her role is to help students prepare and complete the accuplacer test, complete the application process, and help students determine a study program. read more