Skip to Main Content
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

An illustration of a woman with black hair wearing a green shirt with multiple arms holding a computer, a red analog clock, a green book and a beige paper that reads “to-do list.”

How I moved past my first-gen imposter syndrome

My parents’ expectations caused me to use perfectionism as a survival tactic. Proud to Be First’s Secrets to Success Panel showed me that I’m not alone.
Noor Maahin, Contributing Writer November 9, 2022

If I had to choose one word to describe the academic environment I grew up in, it would be “expectations.” I had to be successful in my future: have a promising career, a lovely...

A portrait of Dr. John Michael Halpin. (Photo courtesy of John Michael Halpin)

From Walter Reed to Ph.D.: How a motorcycle crash catalyzed an NYU professor’s chemistry career

A motorcycle crash took John Michael Halpin out of the Army and led him toward becoming the first in his family to go to college. Five academic degrees later, Halpin is a distinguished chemistry professor at NYU and an inspiration to hundreds of students.
Ivy Zhu, Under the Arch Senior Editor August 30, 2021

With only six and a half months left of his time in the U.S. Army, John Michael Halpin woke up in a hospital bed at Walter Reed Medical Center with a shattered left wrist, fractured...

Proud to be first: First-generation students talk about their experiences

Proud to be first: First-generation students talk about their experiences

NYU seniors Yasmine Elasmar, Brianna Ivette Vera and Michael Guerrero-Calderon reflect on being first-generation graduates — the first in their immediate family to graduate from college.
Ivy Zhu, UTA Senior Editor May 7, 2021

The following are transcripts from interviews conducted with three students from Proud to Be First, a mentorship program at NYU College of Arts and Science for students who are...

First-Generation Student to Next-Generation Developer

Ryan Mikel, Entertainment Editor September 5, 2017
CAS senior Jeremy Muhia moved to the U.S. from Kenya at a young age, and worked to earn admission at NYU.