Posts tagged as “college life”

(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

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) Mount Professor Helps Bring Awareness to Mental Health Issues

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Micah Clark | Observer Contributor

Source: courtesy Nathan Daviss, https://www.flickr.com/photos/faxpilot/6984844254

Professor of Psychology and Human Services, Sheila Murphy and her students, recently set up informational display tables as part of a Mental Health Awareness Campaign. The display tables highlight specific events that take place multiple times a year and are meant to focus on specific issues. At every event, students from Professor Murphy’s Abnormal Psychology class set up a presentation dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health issues and to encourage individuals not to stigmatize people who suffer from them. 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 2^nd, 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 May 2017) Staying Awake: What You Might Not Know About Energy Drinks

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Nick Cherico | Assistant Editor

Almost every college student knows what it’s like to be a little sleep deprived. The countless hours of school, work, and trying to maintain a social life can begin to take a toll on you after a while. To boost energy and performance, some people like to drink coffee, use energy boosters, or consume energy drinks.

While energy drinks can give you that boost you need to get through the day, they also can bring a various amount of health risks. According to a study done by Longwood University, “Energy drinks have been found to increase headaches, migraines, insomnia, and type II Diabetes.” Energy drinks, such as Monster Energy, also contain caffeine, which can cause dehydration when overused. Dehydration can cause the jitters, anxiety, and irritability. read more

(Archive May 2017) How to Use the PaperCut Printing System

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Joshua Needham | Social Media Editor

Infographic displaying information on the environmental impact of the PaperCut System
Photo by Joshua Needham

With the recent upgrade to the PaperCut printing system it seemed as though it was a broken and expensive system that no one knew how to use.

What is a FOB and do I need one in order to print? How do I add money to my account? Why did the company have to call their software PaperCut? Fear not! Some of these questions will be answered (we’re still not sure why they chose PaperCut for a name, perhaps they will add a future update called LemonJuice). read more

(Archive April 2017) A Musical Review: Wicked is Wicked Awesome

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Source: “Dennis Beck / Broadway Tour,” BroadwayTour.net

The Wizard of Oz is a fun movie, but Wicked is even more fun, dazzling, and has many surprising twists.

Wicked the musical tells the story of everything leading up to the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, but they do it with catchy songs like “Dancing Through Life” and “One Short Day.” Then there’s the annoyingly catchy song “Popular,” sung by Glinda about making Elphaba, the wicked witch, popular.

The stage was set up like the insides of an old timey clock, along with a mechanical dragon perched at the top of the stage. Anytime Elphaba used magic, the dragon’s eyes would glow red and smoke would come out of its nostrils. The Wizard also has a mechanical head that looked like it was floating, while he was talking to Glinda and Elphaba. read more

(Archive April 2017) How Chance the Rapper Shines a Bright Light on Rappers

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, also known as Chance the Rapper, has been making moves lately that show how different he is from other rappers. In the beginning of March, Chance donated one million dollars to Chicago Public Schools. This along with his message he raps, show that he is shining a whole new light on modern day rappers.

Chance the Rapper is a product of the Chicago Public Schools, which have gotten a lot of negative attention recently for their current state. This is what sparked his idea for the donation. Rising to fame without the help of a label has put Chance in a unique position of unrestrained artistry, and freedom. He seems to be using this freedom to convey a holistic sense to his listeners. With the message of God flowing strongly throughout his newest album, “Coloring Book,” he is truly proving to be doing the work of a greater being. read more

(Archive April 2017) Boston Celtics Predicted to Reach Eastern Conference Finals

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Zachary Connell | Observer Contributor

The Boston Celtics opened the NBA season with 20-1 odds to win the NBA Championship according to espn.com. They finished in 5th place with a 48-34 record last year and lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. With the signing of center Al Horford and drafting small forward Jaylen Brown, the expectations are higher for the Celtics to make a stronger push in the playoffs this year.

Although I would love for the Celtics to come out on top at the end of the playoffs, I believe they will reach the Eastern Conference finals. I think they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers but lose the series four games to one. Cleveland has proven they can beat anyone in the East Conference. read more

(Archive April 2017) Ned Flanders-Themed Metal Band Shows How Pursuing Your Ideas Pays Off

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jason D. Greenough | Observer Contributor

Have you ever had an idea that you thought would be great, but then never built onto it because you second guessed yourself? Did something ever cross your mind, and you got excited about it, but feared that some people might look at it like a joke, so you passed up the opportunity? Well, I have a story about how going through with that one really strange idea can really turn out to be an awesome experience.

I love going to concerts. Metal and punk shows, mostly. The atmosphere is wonderful, and especially when there are lesser known bands on the bill, it makes it even more interesting, because I get to hear some new music that I usually wind up liking later on. Every band has something to offer, and when those opening acts blow the roof the place, which they often times do, I sometimes feel a sense of connection to the band, and it’s mainly due to the fact that I could be on that same stage if I just worked out a single idea longer than a week or so. I know I could be, but I second guess myself too much. I always have that feeling of connection, but it really hit me hard when I went to see Mac Sabbath at the Worcester Palladium on March 25^th. read more