But we often forget to look at our very own community for a source of inspiration. If we take the time to look around, we can find students who are working tirelessly to bring a positive change to our immediate campus and beyond. There is Malina Jai Webb, the translator who has selflessly spoken on behalf of the student body, championing university-wide issues. There is Ryan Kuhel, the entrepreneur who has used food and the Internet to connect communities within NYU and in New York City. And then there is Redwan Hussain, the unifier who has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between our campuses in Greenwich Village and Brooklyn.

In this issue, we present 15 students who have not only made a difference in their surrounding communities but have built a stronger road for future generations at NYU. Through their genuine passion and dedication, these students show that the power to be influential is within each one of us.

We wanted to recognize the incredible works of these students and also capture the distinct personalities that propel them toward their goals. In a yearbook theme that aligns with the 40th anniversary of the Washington Square News, we have included each of the students’ signatures and personal drawings. In addition to photos from our in-house shoot, we have featured images taken at places these students call home and have put together a video, available on our website.

To me, working on the Influential Issue has been a testament to the dedication of WSN’s staff members who never cease to motivate me. I will forever be thankful to editor-in-chief Amanda Randone and editor-at- large Francis Poon for their help and support. This issue would not have been possible without our photographer Sonja Podesta, deputy multimedia editor Jonathan Tan and senior editor Bridgette Doran. Thank you, editors, photographers and copy editors, for your diligence. Managing team and business team, I can’t thank you enough.

I hope you will take the time to read through the stories of this year’s 15 most influential students. And I hope their stories inspire you to leave a mark of your own.