Alexus Heiserman Editor-In-Chief
Christopher Jean Managing Editor
Shanice Brown Advertising & Business Manager
Shayna Cristy-Mendez Opinions
Editor
Saige Samuels
Graphic Designer
FACULTY ADVISOR
Adeline Mucci
The Vignette is the official student newspaper and student voice of Nassau Community College It is published throughout the fall and spring semesters Membership is open to all NCC students. The Vignette welcomes letters to the editor as well as Opinions articles Letters should be limietd to 350 words Opinions essays should be limited to 700 words Letters and Opinions pieces must be signed and contain the author’s telephone number or campus extension The newspaper will withhold names on request The editorial board reserves the right to edit stories or letters for clarity and length
Views expressed in letters and Opinions essays do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board
The Vignette accepts classified and display advertisements from campus and off-campus advertisers. Publication of ads in the newspaper does not imply endorsement of products or services
Letter from the Editor
Goodbye Readers!
This is it! My final issue with The Vignette. It’s been a wild but incredibly rewarding ride, and I can’t help but feel both proud and sad as I close out this chapter. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to something bigger than myself and I hope I can leave a lasting legacy to be built upon.
In the final issue of this semester, we’re reflecting on the incredible moments of the 2024-2025 year From memorable events to student achievements, we have a lot to celebrate! There is so much talent and dedication within our NCC community and I'm so happy to highlight what makes this campus a great place!
As much as this issue marks a personal milestone for me, it also signals the start of a new chapter for this paper The Vignette, like every student newspaper, is a living, breathing entity that thrives on fresh ideas and new voices. If you’ve ever found yourself even slightly curious about what we do here, I encourage you to stop by next semester and consider joining the team.
Whether you have a passion for writing, photography, design, or just want to be a part of something that connects and gives back to your community, there is a place for you in The Vignette
Farewell, and as always, thank you for reading, Alexus Heiserman
Editor-in-Chief, The Vignette
By Alexus Heiserman Editor-in-Chief
Farewell Letter From Our Editor
Well here we are
It seems surreal to be writing a farewell column as the Editor-inChief. I’ve accomplished so much during my time here, yet there's still a part of me that feels like there is so much more to do.
Maybe that's just how it is when you’re deeply involved with something like this. You give so much of yourself but there is always one more story to tell or one more idea to explore.
Like many of you, my student email was always buzzing with notifications, but one day during my first semester, I received an email that stuck out: “Join The Vignette, NCC’s Student Newspaper!”
I won’t lie, that email sat in my inbox for a while. I wanted to finish my degree as soon as possible and not get caught up.
But I’ve always had a love for writing and I guess that’s why this email stood out to me I had written for my high school newspaper, and I still find joy in holding a magazine in my hands or sitting down with the Sunday paper every week So, I thought, “I’ll write a few articles, and if it gets too overwhelming, I can always step back.”
I remember stepping into The Vignette newsroom. Everyone was so welcoming We would work, joke, write, and laugh together.
I was still laser focused on finishing my degree as quickly as possible, taking summer and winter classes, just trying to push through. But the more I got involved with The Vignette, the more I found myself caring about this campus, this community, and the people who make it what it is.
As an art major I didn’t think I would do much besides writing a few articles and maybe draw a few illustrations. However I quickly took on more responsibilities and the paper grew alongside me. So much so that my e-board voted me in as Editor-in-Chief I was proud to be seen as a leader,
but even more appreciative of the staff, (now a second family) that believed in me
What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow to appreciate NCC, how connected I’d feel to the students, faculty, and staff here. College, I’ve learned, is what you make of it. When I first came to NCC, I thought it was just a community college, a stepping stone, and nothing more.
But it’s so much more than that. There are countless opportunities to learn, grow, and connect And most importantly, there are people here who not only want to see you succeed, they want to help you achieve your wildest dreams I’ve found that in unexpected places, and that’s something I’ll carry with me long after graduation. One of the moments that stands out for me during my time with The Vignette came when all the food couriers on campus were suddenly shut down.
Acknowledgements:
It was unexpected, it was disruptive, and it was exactly the kind of thing that left people scrambling for answers In that moment, our role as the student newspaper became crystal clear.
People were looking to us for information, for clarity, for a way to understand what was happening and what the next steps would be. It made me realize that journalism is a social responsibility, especially local journalism.
At a time when things like the arts, journalism, history, (and let’s face it, facts!) are being attacked, I believe more than ever that it’s vital to have a voice, and to use that voice for something meaningful
We’re living in a moment when the value of truth and communication is sometimes overlooked, but in spaces like this, we have an opportunity to keep those things alive.
Thank you to Maudelyn Maxineau and Jackie Turner, our previous faculty advisors over the years, without you there wouldn't have been a Vignette at all! Thank you for all that you've done and your constant belief in us!
Thank you to Adeline Mucci, our current faculty advisor She has been the biggest supporter of The Vignette since she came on board She has believed in our ability to grow and be better, both as students and with The Vignette I am so appreciative of everything she has done for us!
Thank you Demetrius Watkins! Thank you for looking out for us and all the help!
Thank you NC! He was a past Editor-in-Chief of The Vignette and now works at the college He has been a great help and I know he will continue keeping The Vignette alive and thriving
Thank you Izolda, Carolyn, & Jen My ladies in the Art Office who helped me grow during my time at NCC You have inspired me in ways you don’t even know!
THANK YOU, Shanice, Fatima, Shayna, Chris, Hailey, & Josh!! Love you all deeply, thank you for all the HARD work! Only we know what we go through and I'm so happy that I've found friendship in you all that I'm sure will last a lifetime! #GoVinny’s!
Thank you to everyone who has read an article of mine, I hope I was able to keep you reading :)
Local journalism isn’t just about reporting on what happens, it’s about connecting with the community and making sure the stories that matter aren’t forgotten and don’t go untold.
As I prepare to step away from this role, I’m filled with gratitude for everything I’ve learned, everyone I’ve met, and all the stories we’ve shared together. The Vignette has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience It’s been an honor to serve as Editor-in-Chief, and I’m excited to see where this paper goes in the future I know the future is bright for both me & The Vignette!
Fun times with the Chief!
At NCC We Learn! HAPPENINGS
At NCC you can always expect to have learning opportunities outside of the classroom! Throughout the year there are panels held by professors, career professionals, & much more!
Substance Awareness Day
NCC Alumni Keys to Success
Disabilities Awareness Week
Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs hosts Black History Month Panel
First Generation Experience Panel
Dr. Gina Sipley’s Author Talk
Hispanic Heritage Month Panel
At NCC We Grow!
There is so much to celebrate at NCC, but especially the growth of the individuals, college, and community! Here are some big moment’s that happened this school year.
NCC held its Presidential Awards Scholarship Reception, Nearly 100 NCC students were awarded with scholarships!
SGA Prez Jessialy Avilez was awarded the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Criminal Justice Scholarship
NCC elected it’s homecoming court!
Some of NCC’s SUNY Chancellor Award winners in Albany!
NCC’s Faculty Recognition Ceremony NCC’s 9 Graduation of Community Health Worker Program th
Nursings Program Pinning Ceremony
At NCC We Have Fun!
While we do a lot of learning and growing on campus, we also have a lot of fun. There are many events throughout each semester that you can attend to take your mind off of school work! You can make connections, find friends, and enjoy your college experience!
