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Posts published in “Profiles”

(Archive March 2018) Mobile Unit Assistant Travis James

By editorialteam on February 5, 2025

By Alexa Nogueira | Observer Contributor

An American Red Cross “Blood-Mobile” mobile blood donation center
Photo courtesy of The American Red Cross

Travis James is a Mobile Unit Assistant who has worked with the Red Cross for seven years, assisting at mobile blood drives. Most of his job consists of handling blood by putting it on ice so that it stays fresh and transporting it to labs so that it can be tested.

On a typical day at the blood drive, James expects to see about 30 people, although that number can fluctuate based on weather conditions or the common fear of needles and donating blood.

When asked what advice to give to people who are afraid to donate, James said, “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.” He suspects that the most common reasons people don’t donate blood are because they’re anemic, afraid of the needle, or afraid of how it will make them feel afterwards. read more

(Archive March 2018) Service Learning Will Sample Sustainable Living in Peru

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Michele Walsky | Assistant Editor

Shelley Errington Nicholson, Mary Remillard, Rachel Vargeletis work in the garden
Photo courtesy of Julie Cronin

Go to college and see the world!  It may sound like a pipedream but for those involved in the Cultural Engagement and International Service Club’s expedition to Cusco, Peru, it is reality.

Nine students and one anthropology professor will join Brewer Center Director Shelley Nicholson, and Associate Dean of Students Greg Clement, for a nine day trip in May. Previously soaking up Costa Rica culture twice, a change of scenery and the chance to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu— were the main reasons for choosing a different destination, the coordinators said. read more

(Archive March 2018) Bill Nutting in a Nutshell

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Michele Walsky | Assistant Editor

Professor Bill Nutting July 8, 1950 – February 2, 2018
Photo courtesy of MWCC

Biology Professor William Nutting died on February 2nd. A member of the faculty since 1972, his students remember him as an enthusiastic teacher willing to give his time to help them succeed. 

“From my first impression of him, I knew he expected us to be motivated,” said Jaclyn Esparza, a second-year nursing student who took microbiology in 2015. “His class was hard but he gave us everything we needed to know. We followed his lectures and highlighted the note packet he gave us. He knew who was putting in the time and he was always willing to explain and answer questions.” read more

(Archive March 2018) Campus Transfer Counselor Sails the Caribbean

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Christine Nelson | Observer Contributor

Todd Bennett, transfer counselor for the TRiO program
Photo by Brianna Stevens

Would you take a year off and sail to the Caribbean? What about adding your spouse and three young children to life on a small sailboat? Transfer Counselor Todd Bennett, did just that.      It was a dream trip complete with beauty, people, and adventure. 

Bennett and his family set sail from Virginia in September 2016, then headed to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. They spent about three months in each location, with one month in the Turks and Caicos. Bennett described the trip as not “touristy.” Since their small sailboat could navigate areas with few tourists, such as beautiful coves, he felt they had more authentic experiences.  read more

(Archive March 2018) Changing Up the Menu

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds | Observer Contributor

Gina Vilayphone, Student Trustee and Founder of the Food Committee
Photo by Ayana Broeur-Edmonds

Gina Vilayphone, student trustee and founder of the food committee, said that by Fall 2018, the student body should see major improvements in the accessibility of school food.

The food committee was founded within the Student Government Association (SGA). Currently there are three active committee members. Through passing out surveys, the committee gathered the student body’s opinions on the cafeteria and relayed their words to the cafeteria staff. Common responses from these surveys, according to Vilayphone, included complaints about the affordability. However, there were not many concerns expressed over the quality of the items currently on the menu. read more

(Archive March 2018) Health Services Office Provides Resources for Students

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Brianna Stevens | Editor-in-Chief

Diane King, Coordinator for Health Services at MWCC
Photo by Benjamin Richard

This flu season has seen a particularly aggressive strain, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Anne Schuchat, acting director of the CDC said in a telephone briefing for reporters, “This does not mean we’re having a pandemic, but it is a signal of how very intense the flu season has been. We may be on track to break some recent records.” But how can we prevent the spread of this virus if we constantly touch our face to wipe a runny nose?  read more

(Archive February 2018) Former Student Turned Local Star

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Joshua Medero | Observer Contributor

Once a student, now a local star, Christopher “Nano” Villot also know as “Nano La Diferencia” is a 25 year old rapper from Fitchburg, Massachusetts who is quickly ascending in popularity on the Reggaeton music scene. With over a million views collectively on his music video “No Me Wua Dejar” featuring Tali Goya and Bad Bunny, Nano has grown to be a local star. Doing shows throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. 

When an opportunity presented itself for him to do a song with Worcester’s own rapper, Joyner Lucas, Villot quickly decided to do so. There became a problem when Villot had to choose between studio and music video time or school. He had to decide which was more important school or his dreams. read more

(Archive February 2018) Club Spotlight: Otaku Club Donates and Educates

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Julissa Marte Mendez | Observer Contributor

The Otaku Club made an appearance at the annual Winter Welcome Back Fair.
Photo by Benjamin Richard

Otaku United Club at Mount Wachusett Community College is opening the door for children’s education by holding a charity to give books to children in local schools. A “book for every child” allows a child to have a quality book for free.

The club gets together collecting donations to hold a silent auction. In April, participants put their bids on a piece of paper. Cohen said it is similar to eBay, but on paper, where the highest bidder is allowed to take the item home. read more

(Archive February 2018) Student Pursues Glass Blowing Career

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Kayla Blackwell | Observer Contributor

Photos by Jennifer Lamontagne

Miles Roache is a student at MWCC who hopes to pursue a career involving glassblowing.  Currently in his second year, he plans to earn a business certificate so he can open a shop to sell his work.

Roache began blowing glass in the seventh grade after his father took him to meet a torch worker at an art studio. “I realized this was my passion when I was left alone at the torch to make my own art and realized that my only limits were my imagination,” Roache said. read more

(Archive February 2018) Dental Hygiene Program Offers Cleanings and X-rays

By editorialteam on February 4, 2025

By Michele Walsky | Assistant Editor

Mouth feeling fuzzy? The Mount Wachusett Community College’s dental clinic in Fitchburg offers free dental cleanings and x-rays. 

First year hygiene student, Renee Tenney, was on Gardner campus recently collecting a check for their Crest fundraiser and was kind enough to demystify the dental program, which is often an unseen entity.  According to Tenney, sophomore hygiene students thoroughly clean teeth and gums while performing an overall health assessment as part of their clinical lab.  read more