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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

All content by Bianca de Ayala
An illustration featuring a Cuban NYU student carrying the stories of her Cuban heritage with her. Behind her, a group of seagulls encircle a raft with Cuban asylum seekers, also known as balseros.

‘Patria y vida’: Cubans and Cuban Americans discuss differences in identity, expression

Cuban and Cuban American students weigh in on generational conflict, peer interactions and Cuban identity at NYU.
Bianca de Ayala, Contributing Writer March 3, 2022

Around 2.4 million Cuban immigrants have taken residence in the United States as of 2017. This diaspora consists of three generations, ranging from recent immigrants to third-generation...

(Illustration by Adelaide Miller)

Voicemail Message #2: Echoes

The second part of a two-part poem: Silence breaks on the other end.
Bianca de Ayala, Contributing Writer September 27, 2021

Not available. At the tone, Please Record your message. . When you are finished recording, you may hang up or dial one for more options.  . . . . . Oh. You’re still...

(Illustration by Adelaide Magdalene Miller)

Voicemail Message #1: Burnout

The first part of a two-part poem about cut ties and lost connections in the digital age.
Bianca de Ayala, Contributing Writer September 13, 2021

. . . . Not available. . At the tone, . Please P l e a s e  Please.  . Record your message. . . . . Hello? . . . . I’m still here. . . . . It’s...

Professors, Students Aren’t Asking for Pina Coladas

Professors, Students Aren’t Asking for Pina Coladas

Professors, here are ways you can help students during a COVID-19 semester.
Bianca de Ayala, Deputy Opinion Editor September 27, 2020

In the COVID-19 era of taking classes from bed, students have never encountered a more leisurely form of attending lectures. Students can wake up minutes (or seconds) before their...

An illustration of a megaphone with a red handle. Written in orange on the megaphone are the words “Staff Rants.”

Staff Rants and Raves: The Emmys

From Bad Bunny to COVID-19 precautions, our staff has a lot of thoughts on the Emmys.

Rants  On the “Friends” Reunion Helen Wajda, Opinion Editor I never watch the Emmys and this year was no exception, but that didn’t stop me from having to see some...

New students are experiencing NYU a bit differently from what many imagined. Nonetheless, these could be the alternatives to the party culture that threaten to worsen COVID numbers on our campus. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

The COVID-19 College Party Scene: Who’s To Blame?

In the midst of the pandemic, the traditional “party scene” connotation of college has created a very dangerous case of FOMO among returning students.
Bianca de Ayala, Deputy Opinion Editor September 22, 2020

Though it is meant to be a time of self-discovery and some of our most formative years, college is often advertised as a four-year hedonistic getaway. College ranking websites...

An illustration of a megaphone with a red handle. Written in orange on the megaphone are the words “Staff Rants.”

Staff Rants: Parties

From tailgates to sobriety, our staff has a lot of opinions on parties.

On Tailgating  Helen Wajda, Opinion Editor I enjoy hanging out with my friends as much as the next person, but I will never understand the appeal of tailgate parties. Why...