Posts tagged as “college life”

(Archive September 2019) Tried and True Training Tips

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Experienced Trainers Offer Advice for Athletic Success

By Marie Rodriguez | Observer Contributor

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

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

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

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Bringing Attention to a New Tool for Broadening Political Perspective

By Dylan Hatch | Observer Contributor

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 Message from the Editor

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Hello, readers, and welcome to my inaugural editor’s column.The September issue is a fitting opportunity to introduce this new feature, as we’re beginning a new semester and academic year, as well as beginning my first full semester as Editor in Chief of the Observer.

Our staff’s work on this issue began well before the first day of the semester, however, with staff meetings and email exchanges resuming the first week of August after our all-too-brief summer break, plus an influx of unedited copy which arrived shortly thereafter. read more

(Archive September 2019) A Mission for Fair Admission II

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

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 September 2019) A Healthier Tomorrow

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Green Energy Advocates Talk Renewable Energy and Healthy Food

By Eliana Mello | Observer Contributor

Fresh fruit served daily at the MWCC North Cafe.
Photo by Thomas Hill Jr.

MWCC supports the environment through their own green energy facilities, classes, and through partnering with organizations in the community.

Robert LaBonte, Vice Principal of Finance and Administration, said, “It’s important that we show some leadership in initiating green energy on the campus.”

MWCC has been involved in green energy since the 1970s, using electricity rather than oil in order to help with the oil shortage during that time. A biomass facility was constructed next to the gym in order to use a renewable energy source. Wood chips are used to heat the school rather than oil. read more

(Archive September 2019) Welcome Back MWCC Students

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

A Message from President Vander Hooven

Greetings and welcome to the Fall 2019 Semester!

I want to welcome all students, both new and returning, to the Mount for a new year. As I age, I might say this every year but this was a fast-moving summer! It seems like the 4th of July was a few days ago. I am so excited to have all of the students and faculty back on campus. You create such a great energy on campus. It’s also a lot more fun to have a full campus.

I also want to thank you for choosing MWCC in your steps toward reaching your academic and personal goals. The faculty and staff are ready to assist you as you pursue your journey. I also know, from personal experience, that there will be obstacles along the way. Reaching your goals will not always be easy and you will need support to be successful. I can easily recall the many mentors, teachers, and friends I had along the way who enabled my success. But just having them available here at MWCC is not enough. You will need to ask! Asking for help to reach your goals is not a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite, it is the greatest sign of strength. read more

(Archive September 2019) Break the Silence

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Students and Staff Work Together to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

By Casey Merritt | Observer Contributor

Student Heather Burke, President Vander Hooven, and Professor Sheila Murphy share the goal of helping students find a method to cope with their mental illness.

Burke says her illnesses held her back “from getting involved at the college, hanging out with friends, and going to the library.”

Refusing help from faculty and staff at the college, Burke’s way of coping is through a grounding exercise called The Five Senses.

“I look for five things in five colors, five for each color because it’s more private,” she said. read more

(Archive October 2019) That’s Entertainment!

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

Student Reviews Local Pop Culture Shop

By Jurrell Pabrezis | Observer Contributor

Photo by Bruce Matsunaga from flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/brucematsunaga/37642160115

Looking for action? Looking for excitement? Looking for…entertainment?!? That’s Entertainment is your one-stop source for all your fandom needs. Whether you’re looking for comic books, video games, action figures, CDs, vinyl, or various other pop culture memorabilia, this is the place to be. That’s Entertainment has two locations; 244 Park Avenue in Worcester and 56 John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg. My journey through the land of pop culture was at the Fitchburg location. The building itself is easy to find, right off the main road in the heart of Fitchburg. Parking was accessible, as the store is located within a group of other businesses. read more

(Archive October 2019) Getting Connected: A Message from the Editor

By editorialteam on April 15, 2025

By Sophia Schlegelmilch | Editor in Chief

Happy Fall, readers! I’m finally getting into the swing of the school year, and I hope you are too.

This past month has been an interesting one in the Observer newsroom. We are getting to know a new class of Journalism students as well as several new staff members and contributors. Continuity between semesters is always tricky to achieve, so I am absolutely thrilled that we have several staff members returning from last semester. In addition to our returning staff, we are lucky to have two new staff members joining our team this semester as well: Vanessa Roberto, one of two staff photographers, and Anna Allen, our new web editor. read more