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Posts published in “Profiles”

(Archive March 2017) The Busy Life of Kim Cook

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Kelly Cacciolfi | Observer Contributor

Cook with Ryder, Age 6

“I get it” is what Kim Cook stated as she explained why she is in her first semester of the Nursing program at MWCC and taking part in several groups on campus. 

Growing up very ill as a young adult with Crohn’s Disease, having back surgeries, gallbladder removal, and lymph node issues. Cook stated, “I always had it in the back of my head that I needed to help change the system and be an advocate from the inside.” Cook said, “I didn’t have a childhood and now this is my playground.” read more

(Archive March 2017) Animating an Income

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Joshua Needham | Social Media Editor

Sarah Payson

Sarah Payson, a 21-year-old Media Arts and Tech major at MWCC, juggles a job while going to school, like many other students, but her job is a bit more interesting than most. Under the name Sango Nanami, Payson runs a YouTube channel with over 45,000 subscribers. 

The channel itself started nearly 10 years ago as an account to save videos to playlists and make favorite lists, but in 2015 things took off. Payson’s specialty lies in animations, and when she made an animation based on the highly popular game Five Nights at Freddy’s views and subscriptions skyrocketed.  read more

(Archive December 2016) Just Go, According to Heather Conn

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Kelly Cacciolfi | Observer Contributor

“Just go and go with someone” is what Heather Conn, current Assistant Professor of Biology and Department Chair, Natural Sciences, gives for advice about travel. Conn shared what she has learned through her journeys from a young age.

It all started with a trip with her family to Disney in Williamsburg where Conn said, “that’s when I became obsessed with maps and I am very good at reading them.” When Conn was in 5th or 6th grade, her father (Steve) won a trip to Mexico through his work. He then decided to rent a car for their excursions. read more

(Archive November 2016) Shivers Trembles with Uncertainty About Trump Presidency, Remains Hopeful

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

Can We Persevere? Yes We Can-dace!

By Jason D. Greenough | Web/Social Media Editor

For some, it has been a tough week following the Presidential election. The atmosphere surrounding the results that brought Donald Trump into the position of commander in chief has been filled with varying amounts of fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty, throughout different demographics of the American populace. 

Here at MWCC, Students and faculty alike are trying to sort through their own feelings on the events that transpired on November 8th, with some feeling what they can only equate to grieving, others feeling frustrated and perplexed at how their country has come to this, and others who are cautious, yet hopeful, that the 45th President of these United States will change his ways from the behavior we have witnessed throughout the last 18 months. Candace Shivers, Associate Professor of Human Services and Sociology here at the Mount, has something to say about the effect that a Trump presidency might have on college students, such as commuting costs. read more

(Archive November 2016) Michelle Valois Says Raise Taxes on 1%

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Rebekah Chiasson | Assistant Editor

Just one day before the election, Democrat and professor at MWCC, Michelle Valois feared internal conflict within our nation if Trump were to be elected. According to ABC, CNN, USA Today, her fears came true with nation-wide Trump protests felt in California, Chicago, and Washington just days after the election of future President Trump. Valois explained, “I am very nervous for the poor and working and middle class, but I am more nervous for Muslims, Mexicans, all people of color, immigrants (legal and illegal), the LGBTQ community, especially trans youth,” and added, “If Trump cannot pass legislation that adversely affects their lives, I fear that his supporters might feel that it is now okay to harass and hurt these most vulnerable and marginalized people.” read more

(Archive November 2016) MWCC Law Professor Weighs in on Election

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

This election was surely one for the books. For professors that teach at MWCC, each field of study sheds a different light on this election. I had the privilege of conducting an interview with Law Professor, James Korman. Professor Korman has been practicing Law in Massachusetts since 1992, “I primarily did criminal and civil litigation. However, I did a fair amount of general practice work as well: Divorce, Real Estate, Contracts and Estate Planning.” Over email, Professor Korman explained how his field of study influenced his opinions this election, his feelings on both candidates’ claims towards the Supreme Court, and his overall feel about this election. read more

(Archive November 2016) Students Speak on the 2016 Election

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Mike Augustus | Observer Contributor

Mark Ramos

Mark Ramos, 32, has now voted in four presidential elections. This time was the most embarrassing election that he has voted in. “Bitter sweet” are the words Ramos used to describe the election results.  

Ramos did not vote for Trump or Clinton, but decided to vote for Jill Stein. What she offered during her election run was more appealing to Ramos than what Trump or Clinton offered. It was a bitter sweet election for Ramos because he did not want Clinton in office, but kind of wanted Trump to win. However, once Trump won he didn’t get a good feeling for what the next four years will bring. read more

(Archive September 2016) Schools Helping Veterans

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Nicole Benoit | Observer Contributor

Many colleges in the area have services or offices specifically for veterans. These services provide plenty of help with advising, counseling, and disability. Bringing in outside support systems from outside of the college is another way they help. 

Located at Mount Wachusett Community College is a Veterans Success Center run by Robert Mayer. If a veteran is looking for help with anything school related, or just needs someone to talk to, then this is where they would go. Help for students isn’t the only thing provided, trying to educate faculty on certain issues so they can also help and understand their students in class is another reason schools have this service.  read more

(Archive September 2016) Forward in Health Experience

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Allison Cormier | Observer Contributor

Service learning and volunteer work are major components in achieving a well rounded college experience, in addition to helping yourself become a better person in society. Forward in Heath, an organization that travels to Haiti and provides medical care, has been helping Mount Wachusett students achieve this for the past two years, and other volunteers for the past 10 years.

Co-founder and vice president of outreach and travel, Paula Mulqueen has been traveling to Haiti to provide medical treatment since 2001. She believes that providing service through international travel helps create a different perspective on life and shape individuals into more compassionate and caring people. She strives to create the best experience to those in her program. read more

(Archive May 2016) Ibsen and Hansberry and Miller, Oh My!

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Observer Contributor

Every other year, MWCC offers a one of a kind class called Modern Drama, taught by Professor Susan Blake. 

In Modern Drama, students read and discuss popular plays from the 20th century, like Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, along with a handful of others, plus a professor who is passionate about the topic. “I always loved plays,” Professor Blake said, “I’m always looking for new plays and playwrights.”  read more