Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “Opinion”

Every Time We Fall For It

By editorialteam on December 19, 2024

A Trans Perspective on the 2024 Election

By Elysian Alder | Editor-in-Chief

“We’re sorry for the wait. We’re experiencing high demand for LGBTQ+ support and are connecting you to a national crisis counselor.” For many in the LGBTQ+ community, these were the harrowing words that greeted them when they reached out to the national suicide hotline on election night for support. And they weren’t alone.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, reported a staggering — and deeply troubling — 700% increase in crisis contacts the day after the 2024 election, with election-related conversations spiking by 5,200%.  read more

The Few, the Proud, the Timeless

By editorialteam on December 19, 2024

The United States Marine Corps Turns 249

By Kent Yang | Staff Writer

Nov. 10 marks the birthday of one of the world’s most prestigious and formidable fighting forces: the United States Marine Corps. On this day, Marines around the globe celebrate the history of past and current Marines through various traditions, most notably the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and the ceremonial cake cutting.

As Marine Corps tradition has it: “The first piece of cake is given to the Guest of Honor. Traditionally, the second piece is given to the oldest Marine, then handing the third piece to the youngest Marine signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of our Corps.” read more

(Archive May 2017) Thoughts on Graduation

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Graduating from high school was not as exciting or scary as graduating from MWCC is turning out to be. 

Some people will be looking for a new job in their chosen field, some will be transferring, and some might decide to get another degree. Whatever it is, we will all begin a new chapter in our lives. Change can be terrifying because it is new, unfamiliar, and unknown. 

It would be great, if I could continue hiding in the newsroom, covering the chalkboard with story ideas and editing tips, filling the white board with inspirational quotes, and the computer with sticky notes of things to do. I am going to miss our weekly meetings and rushing to get articles done for the deadline.  read more

(Archive May 2017) The International Student Experience

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Klai Iheb | Observer Contributor

Diversity in the student body.

Being an international student is a big adventure. It is a new life that we should be completely prepared for before going for it. That is why many people decide to leave in the middle of their experience, while others stay for years. I personally learned how to overcome obstacles more quickly than other people. This situation makes me a person who is able to travel and live everywhere in the world and communicate with everybody whatever the language is, and now I am able to say: “It was not easy but I made it.” read more

(Archive May 2017) Find Unique Items at Rietta Ranch This Summer!

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Micah Clark | Observer Contributor

A row of vendors at Rietta Ranch Flea Market
Source: http://riettafleamarket.com/vendor-information/

On April 2nd, Rietta Ranch opened for the year after its winter break; this large and popular flea market has a large assortment of vendors attracting shoppers from all around. Located at 183 Gardner road along route 68 in Hubbardston, this flea market is one of the largest in the North East. 

As a flea market, it is like an organized mass garage sale, which accounts for variety and maybe rarity of the things you can find. You really don’t know what you might find because anybody can rent a table and sell old stuff like at a garage sale. Many tables sell things that are decades old, and seeing these vintage items can give you a little look into the past, and can be a nostalgia trip if it’s something from your own history. You may find tables that have an assortment of comic books from the 70s that you can purchase for fifty cents each.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Times Square is the Worst Place in NYC

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Source: chensiyuan, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1_times_square_night_2013.jpg

Everyone around the world dreams about visiting New York City, specifically Times Square, where Manhattan is not at its finest or most impressive.

Times Square is full of tourists blocking the way because they have to get a selfie in front of oversized, electronic billboards. Cars are constantly running red lights and honking their horns at pedestrians, who have the walk sign to cross the street. The locals pretend the tourists do not exist or ignore them like the plague. Do not ask for directions because there is a good change the locals are not going to help you.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Present Negative Effects on Climate and Its Impact on the Future

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jennifer Ballou | Observer Contributor

Most of us think about the future and what incredible changes are going to happen. But what about the negative changes that are starting to happen right now? How will they affect us?

This is exactly what former Senator Stephen Brewer is concerned about. Now the special assistant to the president at MWCC, he recently attended a retreat put on by the East Quabbin Land Trust. The EQLT works to sustain the natural resources around us, including farmlands, woodlands, and water, by working with the communities, government agencies, and other land trusts. Brewer is an active member of the group.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Why Organic Food is a Healthier Choice

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Micah Clark | Observer Contributor

In today’s food market, agricultural products often contain unhealthy ingredients and it can be hard to avoid these items, Professor Thomas J. Montagno explained, and he has advice on how to make better choices.

“Monsanto manufactures some of the deadliest chemicals and pesticides of the world,” said Dr. Montagno, Chair of Natural Resources at the Mount and professor for about thirteen years. “If you don’t buy your food organic, chances are it’s from Monsanto,” he added.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Professor Says Travel Ban is Constitutional

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Brianna Stevens | Observer Contributor

The recent travel ban instituted by President Trump is constitutional, according to Professor John Fielding from the Mount. 

Many people have questioned, why Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen? Fielding explained simply that the reason for only those six countries was because they do not keep records of their citizens. 

Many people wondered why Pakistan was removed from Trump’s ban when it was on the original ban. “Because Pakistan keeps records of their citizens,” Fielding said, “So even though you might think it’s unusual, we do allow Muslims from Pakistan into the country.” Trump’s ties with countries that were not on the ban had nothing to do with Trump, simply that those countries kept records of their citizens. read more

(Archive March 2017) Falling Behind and Bouncing Back

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

Advice for Students That Fall Behind in Their Work

By Joshua Needham | Social Media Editor

The start of a new school semester is much like celebrating New Years. Everyone makes resolutions that this semester will be better than the last. However, even with the best laid plans for success, sometimes falling behind is inevitable. Between poor health, family emergencies, or just plain forgetfulness, sometimes students fall behind in their work and it can be hard not to just give up.

So, you’ve fallen behind? Getting caught back up won’t be easy, but there are some tips and tricks to help you save the semester. MWCC’s Retention Specialist, Joyce Kulig, says the first step is to talk with your professors. Kulig suggests that the first step to correcting the issue, is making it known between you and your professor that you understand you’ve fallen behind. Especially if you’re early in the semester, focus on working with your instructor(s) to figure out an action plan going forward to help you get caught up and stay caught up. Making the issue known early on can help take some of the stress out of catching up and can really make the difference between success and failure for some students. read more