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 Daniela Ortiz
A sprawling view of the Manhattan skyline can be seen from the Long Island City waterfront. This scenic corner of Queens is a popular spot for students who want to escape the city for a while over spring break. (Staff Photo by Chelsea Li)

Spring Break Staycation Guide

What to do in New York City if you can't go home, don't want to go home or just want to get out of the NYU bubble!
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer March 9, 2020

Spring break. Despite what pop culture depicts, not everyone’s counting down the days for their remote island getaway, beach vacation or weeklong party. Instead, if they aren’t...

First-year Sami Stokes poses for the camera. Stokes has modeled for luxury department store Bergdorf, and is currently studying Applied Psychology at NYU. (Photo by Brendan Blaney, Courtesy of Sami Stokes @samistoked)

Model Behavior: From Photo Shoots to First-Year

First-year Sami Stokes talks modeling from Chicago to Dallas and whether or not it’s still in the cards after graduation.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer March 2, 2020

Dallas to New York City, Bergdorf Goodman to Instagram shoots, Wilhelmina to Wallflower: Steinhardt first-year Sami Stokes has done it all. No stranger to moving around, having...


This vegetarian spaghetti consists of artichoke sauce and Trader Joe’s meatless sausage. Meatless options are becoming increasingly popular at stores such as Trader Joe’s, making it easy for anyone to substitute ingredients in their favorite dishes.
(Photo by Daniela Ortiz)

I Tried Trader Joe’s Meatless Meat — And You Should Too

For four days my meals consisted of meatless meat options from one of the nation's beloved food stores. Here's what I discovered.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer February 18, 2020

With talks of all the environmental damage caused by consuming red meat, the appeal of veganism and vegetarianism grows with each passing day. While I still eat meat, I actively...

Valentines Day is coming to town. Listen to WSN for some gift ideas that would blow your significant others mind. (Staff Photo by Alex Tran)

Four Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts to Surprise Your Loved Ones

Foolproof gift suggestions that’ll have your S.O/bestie/self surprised at how good you are at giving gifts!
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer February 13, 2020

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's normal to feel that overwhelming sense of panic when the thought enters your brain: “Oh no, what am I gonna get [insert valentine’s...

(Photo by Emade Ekukole-Sone)

N.Hoolywood F/W 2020

Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer February 11, 2020

The lights in the New York City Masonic Hall went pitch black for a moment, and then a single spotlight appeared, illuminating a cellist on the main stage as he played with...

The Museum of Ice Cream is a popular location displayed on social media. It is one of many Instagram-worthy museums in NYC that WSN’s Culture desk thinks will help improve your feed. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Museums Worth the Money For A Stellar Instagram Post

Discover these five interactive museums around NYC to help you get more attention on Instagram.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer February 11, 2020

What would you do for the perfect Instagram post? Or more specifically, how much would you pay for it? There are many affordable places around the city that can look great on your...

Caroline Calloway has become an internet sensation over the past few years, known for documenting her life on Instagram. (Via Wikimedia)

I Lived Like Instagram Trainwreck Caroline Calloway for a Week

A week in the life of the infamous Instagram blogger and former NYU student is full of spin classes, leggings and oversharing.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer December 2, 2019

Caroline Calloway is a lot of things. Instagram personality. Former NYU student. Prone to oversharing. Self-proclaimed “manic pixie nightmare.” With over 700,000 Instagram...

City Bakery is taking a hiatus after three decades of serving up their iconic hot chocolate to Instagram-hungry New Yorkers. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Dead Bread: A Loving Farewell to City Bakery

City Bakery announced its closing after three decades of serving customers on Union Square.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer November 5, 2019

After nearly three decades as Union Square’s premier hot chocolate destination, City Bakery has shuttered. The announcement was made via the bakery’s Instagram page, fittingly...

A student displays their CBD oil. CBD is known for its healing anti-inflammatory property. (Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Feeling Good and Looking Better: CBD in Student’s Beauty Routines

Do students really use CBD beauty products?
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer November 1, 2019

In an industry where the next best thing is always just around the corner, most beauty trends don't have a very long shelf life. Yet, the newly tapped market of CBD-infused beauty...

(Staff Photo by Justin Park)

Indonesian Diversity S/S 2020

Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer October 5, 2019

Read more of WSN’s New York Fashion Week coverage here. Email Daniela Ortiz at [email protected].

Keke magazine is an online publication on women and the female experience. It was founded by Chloe Xiang, a Steinhardt first-year. (via Instagram @chloexiang)

A Magazine by Young Women, for Young Women

First-year Chloe Xiang runs a magazine called Keke, which aims to tackle the inadequate media representation of women.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer September 23, 2019

Representation matters. It’s a phrase Steinhardt first-year Chloe Xiang has always felt rather strongly about. After all, one would need that passion in order...

Jill Roberts, a Steinhardt first-year, shares her skin care routine. (Via Instagram)

Jill Roberts, Future Educator With a Fresh Face

Let’s Face It is a series where students share their beauty and skincare essentials.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer September 19, 2019

San Franciscan and lover of reading, writing and, more recently, kickboxing, Steinhardt first-year Jill Roberts is still getting used to life at NYU. Roberts, who studys English,...

Valentina Marin’s favorite shoes, Air Skylons from the Nike x Fear of God collection.(Photo by Daniela Ortiz)

Walk a Mile in Her Air Skylons

Piece Out is a Beauty & Style series where students discuss their favorite wardrobe pieces and the stories behind them.
Daniela Ortiz, Staff Writer September 3, 2019

For Gallatin first-year Valentina Marin, the simplicity of a good outfit is one of the most underrated pleasures of life. Marin’s favorite outfit, a basic white t-shirt, her...