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Posts tagged as “MWCC”

Burnout Through a Magnifying Glass

By editorialteam on March 3, 2022

MWCC Mental Health Counselor and Student Discuss Burnout and its Contributing Factors

By Maddie Willigar | Assistant Editor

Though many may be familiar with the term “burnout,” what may be unfamiliar is the variety of factors that can contribute to it and the various ways it can be experienced in the body.            MWCC Mental Health Counselor Melissa Manzi and student Cami Stephens share what burnout is, what factors could contribute, and advice on how to overcome this issue.

            According to Manzi, during the beginning stages of burnout, people may find their thought process becoming more limited, causing them to shut down new ideas quicker than normal. She explained that though burnout symptoms can overlap with symptoms of depression or stress, burnout is a different experience that is dependent on someone’s environment, whether that be school or work. read more

Wreathed in Holiday Cheer

By editorialteam on December 1, 2021

Holiday Wreath Raffle at Mount Wachusett Community College

By Tarra Kruse
Observer Contributor

A holiday wreath

The MWCC staff is organizing the annual Winterfest to help raise money for the Student Emergency Loan Fund this month. Student clubs have participated in this event by designing Christmas wreaths.

The Student Emergency Loan Fund was created to help students who need help buying textbooks, food, bus passes, gas, and paying for small expenses. Kathy Matson, Director of Student Services said, “any student can qualify for this small no-interest loan, if they need books or if unexpected expenses come up.”  She added, “sometimes students fall on hard times, and there is a need for help.” read more

It’s Never Too Late to Succeed

By editorialteam on March 3, 2020

Transitions to College program helps nontraditional students achieve their goals

By Maya Douglas
Observer Contributor

The Transitions to College program is a grant-funded program which supports non-traditional students to ease their way into the college lifestyle.

The program is led by Kim Kayser, program advisor and coordinator. Kayser’s goal for the Transitions program is to be able to accept more students in the future, since the program has a limited number of slots and there is a waiting list.

She also hopes to remain the counselor for her students even after they graduate out of her program.Kayser said that her foal is for her students to graduate or obtain a college certificate, but more importantly, for students to try their best. She notes that many students would never attend college withouut the opportunity to participate in this free, supporting program. read more

Dare to Do Double Duty

By editorialteam on February 23, 2020

Dual enrollment students tackle high school and college credit

By Hannah Bennett
Observer Contributor

The Dual Enrollment program allows students who are 16 years old or older to enter the college environment and earn college credits before they graduate high school. However, there are requirements for every applicant to fulfill before and after acceptance into MWCC.

Sixteen-year-old first-year transfer student Maddie Faneuf has only attended classes at the Mount for a few months, but she has joined the SGA (Student Government Association) and explored several services provided by the college in that short time. read more

Home Alone

By editorialteam on November 30, 2019

Student compares homeschooling and college

By Marissa Shea
Observer Contributor

Sarah (last name withheld) is nineteen and is physically attending school for the first time.

Sarah was enrolled in Connections Academy, a Commonwealth Virtual School that offers online schooling from pre-K to 12th grade. The school was founded in 2002 and has since provided “personalized learning” for students online. She was enrolled in this program for the entirety of her grade school education and was not very fond of it.

“I didn’t like it – I like being taught by a teacher and it makes school feel twice as hard when you’re self-taught,” said Sarah. As a child, Sarah’s parents helped to teach what she couldn’t teach to herself, but as she grew older they became less involved in helping with schoolwork. read more

The Triple Play

By editorialteam on November 14, 2019

Juggling life as a student, a parent, and an employee

By Hannah Bennett
Observer Contributor

How difficult is it to take care of yourself during college?

There’s getting up on time, getting ready, eating breakfast, and the rest of the “morning routine” before school.

Setting time for any homework or projects is also a must and isn’t always easy. On top of that, a job to support yourself takes up time, energy, and focus. Together, a job and college classes are enough to fill the day, leaving little room to take care of yourself.

So what would caring for a child do to that schedule? Being a parent is a full-time job on its own. How hard must it be to be a student, employee, and a parent all at the same time? read more

High School Just Got Easier

By editorialteam on November 13, 2019

Student talks about attending high school and college simultaneously

By Hannah Bennett
Observer Contributor

Reducing mental stress is one reason why more students are choosing to pursue dual enrollment programs.

First-year transfer student, Maddie Faneuf, found the prospect of receiving her high school diploma and Associate’s degree at the same time appealing. Faneuf said her two years in high school pushed her towards the dual enrollment program as a way to escape the “dram” at school and neglect of student needs by the administration. “I wanted a fresh start,” said Faneuf. read more

Annual MWCC Coat & Warm Clothing Drive

By editorialteam on November 8, 2019

Photo from Unsplash

Donations can be made in the Brewer Center (Room 152) starting November 1. Clothing will be distributed December 1 – February 1 in the South Cafe.

Donate coats, hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters, boots, etc.

Everybody’s Working for the Weekend!

By editorialteam on October 2, 2019

Students get hands-on experience with work study program

By Seth Mitchell
Observer Contributor

Photo from Unsplash

Work study positions offer students the opportunity to make some extra money and are highly recommended.

Sean Doyle, student, has a work study as a delivery boy offered on the Gardner campus. He works every Tuesday and Thursday and his duties consist of delivering materials and packages and filing order forms and receipts.

“If you’re seeking involvement in the school a work study is definitely a good fit for you,” said Doyle.

One of Doyle’s favorite parts about his work study is that he can do homework or study in his down time. It gives him the opportunity to get his schoolwork done while still receiving a paycheck. “It is a work study, so while I am not working, I take advantage of the other time to study,” said Doyle. read more