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Posts published in “Opinion”

(Archive March 2020) Student Voices: Hands-Free Driving Law

Ryan Belliveau

By Dylan Quigley | Observer Contributor

Ryan Belliveau, a paralegal and Business graduate who is taking classes at MWCC for extra credit, has strong feelings about the new hands-free driving law.

Belliveau admitted that people on their phones while driving is a problem that needs to be dealt with, but he questions if this law is the right choice. 

Belliveau pointed out that the law allows for more money to go to insurance companies and towards the state because more people will be getting tickets. Furthermore, it may be used as an excuse by police for search and seizure and/or racial profiling.  read more

(Archive March 2020) Is the Democratic Nomination for Sale?

A Student’s Opinion on Bloomberg’s Campaign Ethics

By Nicholas Papini | Assistant Editor

The newly instated democratic presidential debate format instituted by the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is highly flawed and blatantly favors wealthier candidates.

The DNC relaxed its previously stringent participation requirements for former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg, due to funding the entirety of his campaign with his rather exorbitant wealth, would not meet the requirement of a minimum amount of grassroots donations from a certain number of districts. It is my belief that the DNC very specifically withheld that requirement so that Bloomberg could qualify for these debates. read more

(Archive December 2019) December Date Night

Student’s Tips for Seasonal Fun on a Budget

By Marissa Shea | Observer Contributor 

Light up your date nights with a Christmas light show
Photo by Ian Stauffer from Unsplash

With the Holiday season approaching quickly, it can be difficult for some of us to justify spending boatloads of money on a night out with our significant other. There are holiday dinners to attend, gifts to give, and expenses to be paid. If you are looking to take your significant other on a romantic night out without breaking the bank, this is the article for you. It will discuss three date ideas, at three different price points, at varying travel times.  read more

(Archive November 2019) Growing Up with Disney

Early Childhood Education Major Discusses the Impact of Children’s Films

By Hannah Bennett | Observer Contributor 

Allyssa Johnson, first year Early Childhood Education major, has yet to interact with many of the children who go to the Garrison Center for daycare, but she is learning about fostering healthy childhood learning and development. At the Garrison Center, she learns what factors have the greatest impact on early childhood development. 

Currently, Johnson is learning about the importance of parental involvement in the early stages of childhood development. This fosters “family engagement”, which is crucial to the healthy development of children. One assignment on this subject was a half hour movie that parents watched with their children. Then they created a project based on how the movie made them feel.  read more

(Archive September 2019) Tried and True Training Tips

Experienced Trainers Offer Advice for Athletic Success

By Marie Rodriguez | Observer Contributor

Photo from pixabay

New and exciting athletic events are held every season and there are some fundamental training basics that beginners should be aware of.

When it comes to gear first time athletic event participants should take into account the importance of dressing appropriately.

Ryan Lyesiuk, Accounting major, is a passionate runner and enjoys participating in 5k marathons. He strongly advised first-time athletic event trainers to invest in a comfortable pair of long distance running sneakers. read more

(Archive September 2019) Understanding the Black Lives Matter Movement

A Student’s Perspective and Appeal for Change

By Abreyana Moore | Observer Contributor 

Black Lives Matter protest march
Photo by Fibonacci Blue from flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/fibonacciblue/23051729395/

The Black Lives Matter movement has always been around, it has just had different names. Some may know it as the Civil Rights Movement, or the March on Washington, or even Selma to Montgomery. These, in a sense, are all the same, with the same message and the same pain.  On July 13th, 2013,  three women of color gave birth to the movement we know today as Black Lives Matter. 

The Black Lives Matter Global Network is a chapter-based, member-led organization whose mission is to build local power and to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. The founders, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi are all strong members of their communities and have built this organization in wake of the murder of Trayvon Martin.  read more

(Archive September 2019) Rethinking the Political Spectrum

Bringing Attention to a New Tool for Broadening Political Perspective

By Dylan Hatch | Observer Contributor 

Graphic by Dylan Hatch

Although the United States has always housed great ideological diversity, few ideas have traditionally been accepted in mainstream politics. As a result, popular American perception of the political spectrum has been incredibly narrow; simplifying the complex world of political theory into ‘left’ and ‘right.’ However, in today’s world of instant communication, political polarization, and widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, various nontraditional ideologies have thrived. This makes the traditional left-right spectrum increasingly inadequate for mapping the complex differences between individuals. Therefore, in the wake of a more diverse political climate, it is crucial to reassess our perception of the political spectrum and our individual placements on it. read more

(Archive September 2019) A Mission for Fair Admission II

Transfer Counselor Shares Thoughts on the Future of Higher Education

By Aisha Schor | Observer Contributor

The University of Southern California (USC), one of the schools celebrities attempted to use their influence on to get their children admitted to.
Photo by Ken Lund from flickr

 Every year a multitude of students nationwide make the genuine investment and commitment to continue their education and attend four-year colleges. The process takes time, dedication, and hard work. But a process that should be straight forward is growing in complexity and inequality. Between college admissions scandals and the rising cost of tuition, attending college is becoming increasingly difficult for students. This hits particularly hard for community college and non-traditional students given that the obstacles they have to overcome to continue their education are often greater than the average student. read more

(Archive October 2019) Could I Be an Entrepreneur?

Student Gives Advice on Seeking a Path to Success

By Charles Greco | Observer Contributor

You don’t have to be a Business major to have a desire to become an entrepreneur. Every major and degree program can help create opportunities to open your own business in the future, as well as developing an employment career path.

We are nearing graduation day, and some students will be moving on to four-year schools and perhaps beyond while others will begin thinking about leveraging their education sooner rather than later, finding decent starting jobs with potential for growth. Both graduating students will have equal opportunity to develop a strategy for becoming an entrepreneur. What’s really important is that long-term career decisions don’t have to be made on graduation day. read more

(Archive May 2019) Milk and Cookies Masquerade

A Student’s Tasteful Take on Being Yourself

By Michele Walsky | Observer Contributor

Entire store shelves can be filled with the various flavors of Oreo.
Photo by Betsabee Torres

“C’mon, Oreos, be yourself,” my teen daughter exclaimed down the aisle last spring. 
She has a point. How are we supposed to be brave and love who we are? How do we teach our kids it is okay to be your quirky self if America’s Favorite Cookie is waffling on who they are? 

Now, I am not abhorring Oreos (No hate, just ate…a bunch) and I admit I have not tried most of the madcap mashups. I just appreciate its humble beginnings. But hey, at least the funny flavors shake up a shopping trip. The first crazed culprit we spied was Hot & Spicy Cinnamon Candies; you know, the Red Hots you used to sprinkle on cupcakes or give out with school valentines? Hiding next in sheep’s clothing was Peeps! Um, hate to break it to you Oreo, but that gig is already taken. And the same goes for jelly beans’ newest sidekick Carrot Cake! I wonder if the Trix rabbit would fall for those. read more