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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

A portrait of Valentina Plevisani.

Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor

Valentina Plevisani is a junior majoring in Politics and Journalism and minoring in Italian. Born and raised in Peru she hopes to be a political journalist and is obssessed with reading. When she's not writing you can find her baking, down a Wikipedia rabbit hole or, honestly just taking a nap.

All content by Valentina Plevisani
A screen of the “N.Y.U. Connect for Students” page placed on a purple background.

Opinion: NYU advising needs to do better

The hit-or-miss reality of NYU’s advising system leaves students grappling with a lack of guidance, revealing a need for a more supportive approach.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 16, 2023

Despite my best efforts to connect with them, my CAS adviser has been a ghost throughout my undergraduate career. I have yet to see their face, speak to them over anything other...

People are kneeling and standing on blue carpeting, a few holding blue and white signs that read ‘U.A.W.’ There is a white banner behind them that reads ‘N.Y.U. Researchers United-UAW,’ and a sign held by a woman kneeling in the front that reads, ‘N.Y.U. Contract Faculty Stand in Solidarity!’

Opinion: NYU should recognize the researchers union

Researchers at NYU deserve more benefits and support from the university. The first step is recognition.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 3, 2023

Last Thursday, NYU Researchers United, the union representing postdoctoral researchers, graduate assistants and staff scientists at the university, asked NYU for recognition for...

A large room with blue carpeting and a variety of colorful couches and chairs. There are students sitting with their laptops. On the floor above there are bookshelves filled with books.

Opinion: Bobst’s new first floor renovation is a missed opportunity

The library update could have made the space more practical while maintaining its aesthetic, but the renovation fails to do either.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor October 27, 2023

Bobst Library has been a sanctuary for me ever since I started at NYU — it was the kind of calm, academic environment perfect for focusing during stressful exam seasons. So,...

A sign inside Grand Central Terminal that says “Hudson Lines Departures”, with departure times, track numbers, and destinations listed on it.

Opinion: Upstate New York is underrated

An upstate New York getaway can be the perfect way to take a break from preparing for midterm season and the bustling city while enjoying the changing weather.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor October 4, 2023

I was scrolling through Instagram a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon a reel of a quaint, Gilmore Girls-esque upstate New York town, with leaf-covered main streets and charming...

An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.

Staff Rants: School-life balance

As the semester starts to kick in, the WSN staff shares their experiences with balancing — or at least trying to balance — their academic and social lives.

On self-care Molly Koch — Opinion Editor Between going to class and working 20 hours a week, I never have time for myself. I have to pick and choose my battles between doing...

An illustration of three people standing in a doorway next to a red sign that reads “Access Denied.” Below the sign, a hand holds a passport that reads “República del Peru.”

Opinion: The precarious path to employment for international students

Job prospects are too narrow for international students, especially those who are pursuing careers within the United States.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer December 9, 2022

As an international student, coming to study in the United States involves navigating a never-ending obstacle course. You must apply for and attain a student visa. You are restricted...

A black facade that reads “Carbone” in white font. Inside, there is dim red lighting. A female is visible sitting down alone at a table in the restaurant.

Carbone alone: The subtle beauty of solo dining

Dining alone is the best way to beat long reservation lists and recharge.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer December 8, 2022

Many say New York City is the place for people who aren't afraid to do things on their own, and my social anxiety of being alone has significantly subsided since moving here. I...

An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.

Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs

Since NYU has a language requirement, it should promote conversation clubs, which are some of the best ways to practice a new language.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer November 21, 2022

Every Friday at 2 p.m., students from all levels of Italian conversational skill gather at NYU’s Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo to talk, hang out and enjoy complimentary snacks....

Text “USE YOUR VOICE” and seven stars in purple color on top of text “NYU SHOULD VOTE” with “NYU” and “VOTE” in blue color and “SHOULD” in red color.

Opinion: NYU urges you to vote, and so do I

As an international student, I applaud the NYU Votes campaign, but it’s up to you to go vote.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer October 7, 2022

The midterm elections are approaching, and if you’re an American citizen, this Nov. 8 it’s time for you to vote. Now is your time to elect who will make decisions on your behalf...

Protesters walk down University Place holding a large sign that reads “NYU owes adjuncts.” A police officer on a moped directs traffic in front of the marching protesters.

Opinion: Adjuncts need better pay now, but NYU is dragging its feet

NYU should meet the proposals of the adjunct union, ACT-UAW Local 7902 — if not in support of worker's rights, then in the name of its students.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer September 19, 2022

The current contract between NYU and the adjunct union ACT-UAW Local 7902 expires at midnight on Sept. 30. In negotiating the next four-year contract, the union is demanding better...

An illustration with a coral background of a calendar opened to a page of the month of March. Under the month's name, it reads “Women’s History Month” in blue letters.

Opinion: NYU’s Women’s History Month isn’t enough

The university’s underwhelming commemoration of Women’s History Month underscores the necessity for more substantive yearlong efforts highlighting women’s achievements and struggles.
Valentina Plevisani, Contributing Writer March 29, 2022

I come from Latin America, where International Women's Day has become a big deal in recent years. It is a day for women of all backgrounds to rally against the patriarchy and protest...

An illustration of a black car with an NYU Safe Ride logo on the hood and side.

Opinion: NYU’s Safe Ride service needs reform

The Safe Ride service is unreliable and puts students at risk. NYU needs to address student concerns if it truly wants to prioritize safety on campus.
Valentina Plevisani, Contributing Writer March 3, 2022

It's past midnight. I’m huddled in front of Palladium and I need to get to Lipton. I can’t walk, it’s far too late, and I’m down to my last $20 before my paycheck hits...

“The Joe Rogan Experience” is a podcast that debuted in December 2009, hosted by Joe Rogan, comedian and UFC color commentator. (Staff Illustration by Camila Ceballos)

Opinion: Is Joe Rogan really worth it, Spotify?

Following Joe Rogan’s controversial episode about the COVID-19 vaccination, Spotify should remove his podcast from its platform.
Valentina Plevisani, Contributing Writer February 17, 2022

Let's imagine you are the cofounder and CEO of one of the largest music and podcast streaming platforms in the world. You sign a more than $100 million deal with a podcaster. By...