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

Abby Rivera

Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor

Abi Rivera is a CAS Junior and OP Scholar studying Environmental studies and Spanish. She loves leadership, the color purple and reptiles.

All content by Abi Rivera
Hair products on display at a store.

Opinion: Sidestein should sell curly hair products

With such a diverse student body, it’s time NYU Eats started stocking essential items for curly-haired people in its university markets.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor April 3, 2024

Maintaining my hair is an essential part of my daily routine, and sets the precedent for my confidence and comfort on campus — a sentiment shared by a lot of curly heads. However,...

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: Springing in and out of spring

It’s the beginning of March, which means spring is just around the corner! WSN staff shares their thoughts about the changing season.

On climate change: Abi Rivera — Opinion Editor  Spring? I think you mean false spring. Climate change is real.   On heroes: Sebastian Cardena — Deputy Opinion...

Cartoon illustrations of students walking through a dining hall added to a photo of students sitting on chairs.

Opinion: Don’t give up on community at NYU

Creating community at NYU can be a challenge, but being more intentional about how we interact with each other can start to change that.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor January 31, 2024

As I enter my junior year, the dull and isolating nature of NYU's open campus has become a familiar reality. For many, walking past another NYU student on campus is just like an...

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: New beginnings or old complaints?

WSN staff shares their thoughts on the beginning of the 2024 spring semester.

On time: Yezen Saadah — Deputy Managing Editor  It has only been a week, and yet I feel like I’m already halfway through the semester.   On course schedules: Molly...

Various posters are stuck on a glass window. The poster on the left is white and reads “Choose Respect”.The poster on the right is purple and reads “Masks Always Welcome”. The poster on top is purple and reads “Please Use Revolving Door”.

Opinion: NYU’s ‘Respect | No Hate’ campaign is a well-intentioned facade

Amid on-campus tensions caused by the Israel-Hamas war, NYU was quick to launch a universitywide “Respect | No Hate” campaign, but the university’s efforts have been more performative than effective.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor December 8, 2023

As you walk around campus, you’ll now notice light purple posters plastered everywhere, all blaring one word: “Respect.” These posters are part of NYU’s latest campaign...

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Staff Rants: Spooky season

Our staff shares their thoughts on Halloween.

On still having class Molly Koch — Opinion Editor It’s simple, wear your halloween costume to class.    On trick-or-treating — or the lack thereof Krish Dev —...

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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...

A shot of the Paulson Center gym. Students are standing and looking around. There is a sign for the Pakistani Student’s Association to the right and a Greek flag to the left.

Opinion: NYU Club Fest was far too chaotic to enjoy

Wednesday's humidity made Club Fest seem like a promising escape, but what should have been a chill and fun event turned out to be a complete mess.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor September 8, 2023

NYU’s Club Fest at the Paulson Center was hosted for students to find their place among the over 300 clubs offered at the university. Instead, students found themselves corralled...

The entrance to N.Y.U’s Upstein dining hall with a sign that reads “Order Ready.” There is a pick-up counter in the background with many brown paper bags waiting to be collected.

Opinion: Unpredictable dining hall wait times make it impossible to plan ahead

Despite the convenience of the Grubhub app, listed pickup times are unreliable, sometimes forcing students to wait up to two hours during peak periods to get their food. 
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor March 10, 2023

As a hungry college student, I often find myself standing in the bustling Upstein food court, desperately refreshing the Grubhub app and scanning the room.​​ The large monitors...

A person wearing a black coat, red hoodie and red pants sits on a stone bench in a park with a small table in front of them. On the table is a glass jar with cannabis joints in it.

Opinion: Stop buying weed from Washington Square Park

40% of cannabis sold at unlicensed dispensaries around New York City is contaminated. Cannabis sold at Washington Square Park is no exception.
Abi Rivera, Deputy Opinion Editor December 14, 2022

You have to be high to think you're getting a $10 pre-roll from Washington Square Park that doesn't have E. coli in it.  According to the New York Medical Cannabis Industry...

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Staff Rants: Midterms and midterms

It’s the middle of the term! The WSN staff offers our thoughts on our exam-packed weeks and the ongoing congressional election season.

On unoriginality: It’s really unoriginal of NYU to hold midterm exams during the midterm elections. As an academic institution that discourages plagiarism, it shouldn’t steal...

A panoramic view of the greenfield at Governors Island, with the Manhattan skyline visible in the background.

Opinion: You need to be around more trees

This semester, it's time to seek out more parks and green spaces in New York City.
Abi Rivera, Deputy Opinion Editor September 8, 2022

Being in nature is linked to improved health. According to the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation, “Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces...