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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

Sarah John

Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor

Sarah is a first-year in CAS. She’s hoping to study Political Science, French and Philosophy … but in all honesty, who knows? She is from Rancho Cucamonga, California, a town that is as stereotypically Californian as its name. She is extremely interested in “The Bachelor,” human rights issues and any food with cheese — not necessarily in that order.

All content by Sarah John
A portrait of Angèle sitting on a black reflective floor in front of a pink, orange and gray tie-dye background. She is wearing a blue ruffled halter top, blue jeans and pink heels.

Angèle’s success is crossing the Atlantic

Belgian pop star Angèle has been topping French music charts and recently recorded a song with Dua Lipa. Her New York City concert proves American audiences are starting to join the crowd.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer March 11, 2022

Angèle — born Angèle Van Laeken — is a pop star who is currently making a splash in the French pop music scene. The Belgian-born singer is known for her dance-pop music and...

As lovers celebrate their romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to enjoy a heartbreaking breakup album. (Staff Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

This Valentine’s Day, listen to a breakup album

If you’re bitter about being alone on Valentine’s Day, check out the breakup albums we rounded up so you didn’t have to.

We’ve all been there — as Feb. 14 approaches, it seems impossible to escape anything red, pink or heart-shaped. If you’re single, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something...

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams’ latest album, “This Is What It Feels Like,” was released on Nov. 12. (Image courtesy of Interscope PR)

A conversation with Gracie Abrams, the next queen of bedroom pop

WSN spoke with Gracie Abrams as she prepared for her upcoming tour, “This Is What It Feels Like.” She’ll also be opening for Olivia Rodrigo on the “SOUR” tour.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer February 10, 2022

This Valentine’s Day, Gracie Abrams will be playing her first of two New York City shows. Her latest project, “This Is What It Feels Like,” dives into the woes and sorrows...

Mike Errico is a professor at the NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. On Nov. 7, he released his book “Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter,” which features lessons from his years of teaching students. (Image courtesy of Mike Errico)

Tisch prof reveals music struggles and triumphs in new book

Mike Errico’s book "Music, Lyrics, and Life" compiles lessons learned from his years of teaching students to overcome their fears and doubts as they enter the tumultuous music industry.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 8, 2021

Mike Errico, a professor at the Clive Davis Institute at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, released his book "Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter"...

Inspired by modern pop idols, NYU senior, Sabrina Song, explodes onto the scene with her new single “Thaw”. A stunning showcase of her vocal and production prowess. (Photo by Clara Jeanne Reed)

Let Sabrina Song put a picture in your mind

Tisch senior Sabrina Song, shares her inspiration for her latest track, “Thaw,” released April 30.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer May 5, 2021

Tisch senior Sabrina Song began her musical career as a vocalist and violin player. Now, the senior in the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music has emerged as a singer, songwriter...

How NYU Can Really Support Mental Health

How NYU Can Really Support Mental Health

Mental health at NYU can’t improve until we realize that the people who need help are actually the ones least likely to ask for it.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 18, 2019

For most of my life, I just wanted to be successful. Not necessarily happy — just successful. There’s a history that has led to this result, a series of sad, almost cliche...

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Activists like Greta Thunberg and the Parkland kids are doing great work. But why are they the face of movements that started long before them?
Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 30, 2019

Greta Thunberg is a climate activist. You’ve probably heard of her because of the recent climate strikes or seen the subsequent social media posts applauding her for her work...

'IT Chapter Two' Supplies More Laughs Than Screams

‘IT Chapter Two’ Supplies More Laughs Than Screams

In the sequel to the highest-grossing horror film of all time, jokes and feel-good moments soften any real feelings of horror.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 10, 2019

It’s 27 years after the events of “It,” and most of our protagonists — the loveable Losers’ Club — have left Derry and forgotten all about Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård)....

Reflecting on Notre Dame and the Rightful Return of Africa’s Soul

Reflecting on Notre Dame and the Rightful Return of Africa’s Soul

It is possible to recognize what has been lost in the tragedy of the Notre Dame fire while simultaneously acknowledging what other, less discussed nations have lost at the hands of European colonization.
Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor April 28, 2019

One quote in particular in the New York Times article “What the Notre-Dame Fire Reveals About the Soul of France,” stood out to me. A Parisian stated, “it’s our roots,...

Creating the proper habits, such as studying, can improve students' daily lives. (Photo by Marva Shi)

Yes, You Really Should Call Your Mom Today

Call your mom or hit the gym today. Either way, it’s the right time to start putting the things that actually matter first.
Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor March 28, 2019

Today, I looked at my to-do list and realized that I had been meaning (and failing) to call my cousin for quite a while. It’s hastily scribbled down on multiple to-do lists throughout...

Don’t Forget Forgiveness

Don’t Forget Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often labelled as a sign of defeat. But in reality, it helps us remember to see the best in each other.
Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor March 11, 2019

My mother has a sort of relentless, enduring faith — in God, in herself and, most admirably, in other people. It seems nobody is safe from her optimism. I’ve seen her give...

We Can Do Better Than Voluntourism

We Can Do Better Than Voluntourism

Voluntourism often hurts communities more than it helps them. Instead, let’s invest in long-term solutions.
Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor March 1, 2019

As someone from Nigeria, I usually have mixed feelings when my friends announce they are planning to go volunteer in a country with a high poverty rate. The whole process is...

When Your NYU Community Doesn’t Respect You

When Your NYU Community Doesn’t Respect You

An editor gives her insight into the viral tweet regarding a racist incident at NYU’s Silver School for Social Work.
Sarah John, Deputy Opinion Editor February 19, 2019

NYU is the first community I have truly chosen to be a part of. I love this community, and the people in it. I smile at people in my dorm’s elevator. When I share a table with...

You Can Stop Pretending You Don’t Like Romantic Comedies

You Can Stop Pretending You Don’t Like Romantic Comedies

The romantic comedy genre is full of fun, light-hearted films that provide insight into relationships. Let’s all finally allow ourselves to be happy, guilt-free viewers.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer December 3, 2018
The romantic comedy genre is full of fun, light-hearted films that provide insight into relationships. Let’s all finally allow ourselves to be happy, guilt-free viewers.
Why I Keep Talking to White People About Racism

Why I Keep Talking to White People About Racism

And minorities should be able to respond to racism their own way, without any judgment.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 27, 2018
And minorities should be able to respond to racism their own way, without any judgment.
The Death of the Hobby Is Sadder Than We Think

The Death of the Hobby Is Sadder Than We Think

People today pursue hobbies at lower rates, and that has more significant implications than one would expect.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 19, 2018
People today pursue hobbies at lower rates, and that has more significant implications than one would expect.
Nigeria Is Watching Us, and We Are Letting Them Down

Nigeria Is Watching Us, and We Are Letting Them Down

The United States needs to remember that the current leader of our country projects a strong and at times dangerous influence in Nigeria.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 12, 2018
The United States needs to remember that the current leader of our country projects a strong and at times dangerous influence in Nigeria.
Diverse in Race, Diverse in Thought

Diverse in Race, Diverse in Thought

Colleges aren’t sacrificing intellectual diversity by focusing on racial diversity. They are helping to create it.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer October 31, 2018
Colleges aren’t sacrificing intellectual diversity by focusing on racial diversity. They are helping to create it.
Mr. Ro Hee Chang (second from right), defector from North Korea, spoke in a conversation hosted by NYU Freedom For North Korea and International Relations Society at NYU on Oct. 26. (via facebook.com)

‘Less Than $100 for 3 Years of Labor’

A North Korean defector spoke at NYU on Friday to raise awareness of labor abuses.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer October 29, 2018
A North Korean defector spoke at NYU on Friday to raise awareness of labor abuses.
A red fire truck is parked in a garage with a fireman's jacket hanging over the front of it.

How Tandon Is Keeping Firefighters “ALIVE”

Firefighters will be better able to keep us ALIVE with this new training program.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer October 25, 2018
NYU Tandon has a new online simulation program that can be used to train firefighters.
How NYU Can Include Everyone in the Classroom

How NYU Can Include Everyone in the Classroom

Sarah John, Contributing Writer October 9, 2018
To expand on her last piece, this writer explores the importance of free speech at NYU and the need for the student body to be patient with overall political correctness.
How NYU Should Approach Free Speech and Trigger Warnings

How NYU Should Approach Free Speech and Trigger Warnings

Sarah John, Contributing Writer October 1, 2018
An institution as tolerant as NYU should better implement trigger warnings on campus and in the classroom.
Museums: the Unsung Heroes of Legitimacy

Museums: the Unsung Heroes of Legitimacy

Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 20, 2018
Several minority groups have been advocating for national museums for years, but there's been minimal results.