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Posts tagged as “MWCC”

Students and Faculty Weigh in on Upcoming Psychedelics Vote in Massachusetts

By editorialteam on October 23, 2024

By Elysian Alder | Editor-in-Chief

Image by Alan Rockefeller, from Wikimedia Commons

This November, Massachusetts voters will decide on several statewide ballot questions, including Question 4, the limited legalization of certain natural psychedelic substances, also known as the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act.” The proposal would legalize and regulate the supervised use of certain natural psychedelics—such as psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and ibogaine—for adults 21 and older.

In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the nation to legalize psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, in 20 of its most populated cities, opening more than 20 service centers to administer the drug, according to NPR. read more

MWCC Students Provide Thoughts on 2024 Presidential Debate

By editorialteam on October 23, 2024

By Benjamin Heffner | Observer Contributor

Former president Donald Trump (R) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D) shake hands at the September 10th presidential debate.

Last month’s debate on September 10 between former President Donald Trump, a Republican, and Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, marked the first—and potentially the only—chance for voters to see both candidates on stage discussing key issues facing the nation, including immigration, taxes, the economy, abortion, and foreign policy.

Students Matthew Infantino, Sarah Vargas, and Oren Cohen gave their thoughts on the debate.

Matthew Infantino joined MWCC in the fall of 2024 and is studying Environmental Science. He is 44 years old and offered up his insight to the presidential debate by answering the questions below. read more

Learning Lessons Harsh and Beautiful

By editorialteam on October 23, 2024

Student Profile: Regulo Moreno

By Wayne Jurgeleit | Observer Contributor

Photo courtesy of Regulo Moreno

One can Google terms like “global citizen” to find eloquent descriptions of those who are inquisitive about human cultures, economies, and environments, and how they are all interconnected, transcending arbitrary boundaries. Similarly, “lifelong learner” refers to someone dedicated to acquiring knowledge and skills—both personally and professionally—throughout their lifetime to improve their own life and the lives of others. To meet Regulo Moreno is to know someone who truly exemplifies these ideals. read more

Welcome Back BBQ 2024

By editorialteam on September 30, 2024

Photo by Jamila Machado
Photo by Jamila Machado
Photo by Jamila Machado
Photo by Jamila Machado
Photo by Christina Grigorian
Photo by Shelby Bourisk
Photo by Wendy Joubert

Hispanic Heritage: A Celebration

By editorialteam on September 30, 2024

Quotes collected by Elysian Alder and Jordan Chila | Editors-in-Chief

Photos by Natalia Oliver

On Thursday, September 19 2024, the ESL Club hosted a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the
Leominster Campus, welcoming the entire MWCC community to honor Hispanic culture. Attendees
enjoyed authentic cuisine, danced to lively Latino music, and gained invaluable insights from keynote speaker Dr. Irene Hernandez.

“I’m from Uruguay; It’s hard to choose a few [of my favorite things from my country], but the people, the educational system and the food are my top three. It was a meaningful experience for me personally, as a proud Spanish immigrant, to be part of this celebration. This event was a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up our community.” read more

Stealing the Show in Steel Magnolias: Melissa Gates

By editorialteam on September 30, 2024

By Jordan Chila | Editor in Chief

Melissa Gates
Photo Provided by Gail Steele

Melissa Gates is a theater enthusiast whose love for the theater has recently pushed her to obtain one of the leading roles in the upcoming production of Steel Magnolias, set to hit the stage on October 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2024. She hails from Fitchburg Massachusetts and graduated high school in 2000. Gates also enjoys her work as a paraprofessional in elementary education and spends her leisure time performing in her band, hiking, and attending local shows. Although she arrived at the Mount in the spring of 2024 to begin her academic journey, Gates has been a part of the Theatre at the Mount community since she was a girl. read more

To Meat or Not to Meat

By editorialteam on September 30, 2024

Veganism at the Mount

By Desiree Leader | Staff Writer

Seitan piccata, spinach salad, rice pilaf, and a side of hot and sour soup. $8.50
Photo by Desiree Leader

According to a study by the research group College Pulse, 14% of the college population follows a vegetarian (no meat products) or vegan (no animal products, including milk or eggs) diet, compared to 4% of the general population. The most cited reason for this is environmental concerns (31%), followed closely by animal rights and health. While no specific data was available for the Mount, Mina Girouard, Student Leader in Civic Engagement, and member of the Food for Thought food pantry at the college has noticed an uptick in the need for vegan products to serve the students. They purchase items like tofu, which are not available through the Worcester County Food Bank that helps stock the pantry. They also offer fresh produce and staples like pasta, beans, and plant-based grains. read more

The Creative Art of Gary Brayboy

By editorialteam on September 30, 2024

By Princess Yeboah | Assistant Editor

Gary T. Brayboy, a student at MWCC, possesses a creative and intriguing talent for photography. After a breakup and losing his job left him at a crossroads, Brayboy decided to come to the Mount to “reboot his life.” Determined to turn life’s lemons into lemonade, he is now studying video production. With his degree, he hopes to become either a colorist for film or a camera operator. Having a background as a DJ for many years, Brayboy also plans to expand into videography services and eventually start his own production company. As an African-American artist, Brayboy aims to express himself through photographic means. read more

(Archive May 2017) Sculpture Students Participate in Annual Art Department Bronze Pour

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Nick Cherico | Assistant Editor

On Thursday, April 13th, MWCC students participated in the art department’s annual bronze pouring. This year’s pouring was led by Thomas Matsuda, who is an Art Professor and Chair of the Department. Matsuda helped students prepare their own ceramic molds which they could then pour bronze into.

The molten bronze is removed from the furnace.
The bronze is then poured into the ceramic molds, held in place in barrels of sand.
The left over bronze is then poured out into molds to form ingots, which will be saved and melted down in next year’s pour.
The melting pot is then placed back in the furnace to melt more bronze and repeat the process.

(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