NYU COVID-19 Task Force Supplies Face Shields to Medical Workers

3 SPORTS 5 ARTS Sit, numquae ctemperro omniaL- Dear Roman Polanski, Woody Allen and upienda nonsequiat latur aliam Harvey Weinstein: You Are Not The Victim

4 CULTURE 6 OPINION How NYU Students Are Holding Leaders More Accountable Social Distancing in Crisis, Not Less

VOLUME LIV | ISSUE 10 MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020

NYU COVID-19 Task Force Supplies Face Shields to Medical Workers The NYU COVID-19 Task Force, composed of faculty and teams from across NYU and NYC, is working to supply NYC hospitals with personal protective equipment.

By EMILY MASON News Editor

In the rush to prepare medical workers for the peak of the coronavirus curve, researchers on the NYU COVID-19 Task Force are working to design and supply face shields to medical workers. The NYU COVID-19 Task Force is made up of faculty from across schools, including Tandon School of Engineering, the Col- lege of Global Public Health and NYU Langone Health to respond to COVID-19. The goal of the Task Force is to create a network of coronavirus-related projects across NYU to catalyze relief efforts, whether through connect- ing researchers or suggesting city organizations with which to co- ordinate. The Task Force’s first mission has been providing medical workers with personal protec- tion equipment. IMAGE COURTESY OF NYU COVID-19 TASK FORCE CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Personal protective equipment is vital in the fight against the coronavirus, and many cities are facing a lack of supplies. The NYU COVID-19 task force has begun making their own PPE.

Patel Renews Push for Universal Testing After Testing Positive for COVID-19

By LISA COCHRAN happens to me.” ing nature of the pandemic, the U.S. has be- News Editor He then took, in light of the circumstances, come embroiled in a testing crisis. Many U.S. what he considered the most logical measure: distributing companies and hospitals have One morning two weeks ago, Suraj Patel a COVID-19 test. Patel’s older brother and reported testing backlogs and ineffective tests felt a tightness in his chest. housemate Viral Patel — an emergency room issued by the Centers for Disease Control. The 36-year-old New York 12th District doctor — was able to conduct at-home nasal Additionally, President Donald Trump’s congressional candidate and Stern School swab coronavirus tests for the household, inconsistent rhetoric on testing has pre- of Business professor said the sensation was which consists of Patel and his two brothers. sented significant obstacles and led to accompanied by trouble breathing and later, The samples were sealed and sent to a lab mass confusion. a fever. He added that it was unlike anything in Brooklyn. They all came back positive. “This is no time to double down on the he’d ever experienced. After enduring waves of symptoms, Patel biggest mistake of this COVID-19 epidemic “It was this really strange, alien feeling recovered. His experience, however, galva- so far, which is a lack of information, data and where you don’t have congestion. I wasn’t nized him in his push for universal testing testing,” Patel said. “Most people can agree coughing or anything, but all the sud- — making COVID-19 tests easily avail- that there are few things right now probably den I realized I’d be out of breath by going able for everyone. scarier in your mind than having a positive JAKE CAPRIOTTI | WSN up the stairs, like one flight of stairs,” Pa- There are currently 335,524 reported COVID test. Perhaps, except not knowing NYU Professor and Congressional candidate Suraj Patel speaks at a town tel told WSN. “I’m pretty healthy, I work COVID-19 cases in the United States, with whether you have it or had had it at all.” hall meeting discussing the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. out and run and all that stuff so that never 9,562 deaths. Amid the chaos and ever-chang- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Patel was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. 2 Washington Square News MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020

[email protected] NEWS Edited by LISA COCHRAN and EMILY MASON NYU COVID-19 Task Force Supplies Face Shields to Medical Workers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “There’s a couple of facial shields sary,” Kuyan said. cutters for students and researchers shields immediately. “The Task Force is part of addressing designed that require 3D printing,” The Task Force is working with three alike — located at NYU Tandon’s “Before manufacturing and the de- the problem of how you can bring in Kuyan said. “That is far too long of a New York City manufacturers to adapt main campus and at the Future Lab. In fense production acts can really ramp the university to try to identify prob- process to manufacture face shields at their process to the production of face these spaces, Task Force members move up — those things take a little bit of lems that can be solved in the short the numbers that they’re needed. New shields and start supplying the city. through various designs to create the time to kind of come up to full speed — term,” managing director of Future York City, for example, needs in the “We help them think through finalized version. there is a very large immediate need,” Labs and Task Force leader Steven Kuy- millions of face shields and on average whether or not it makes sense to assem- In addition to providing a testing Bill said. “So I think really the past two an said. “Our mantra is asking what the 3D printing will take roughly two and a ble them, what alternative materials space for the COVID-19 Task Force weeks and I think maybe the next two pathway of least resistance is to building half hours to print the face shield.” might be,” Kuyan said. “In some cas- shield design, NYU Tandon’s Maker- weeks is when we’ll be able to have the really necessary solutions to problems Many design options were drafted es, they send samples to validate them Space team has created a shield of their largest impact and when our services that the healthcare industry is facing.” and went through experts at NYU Lan- before working with the city and then own. The MakerSpace team’s design will really be needed.” NYU Tandon Future Labs’ mis- gone and NYU School of Global Pub- we connect them to the city directly so is slightly more complex and requires This sort of collaboration across sion is to hone tech entrepreneurs to lic Health for feedback and approval. they can get a procurement contract laser cutters and 3D printers, which teams and schools within NYU is a key create successful businesses. Kuyan Once finalized, the design was made with the city.” means it cannot be manufactured on goal of the Task Force, Kuyan said. and lab leaders are using this commer- publicly available through the Open The first round of shield production a large scale in the same way the Task “We really wanted to identify every- cial mindset to connect researchers at Face PPE project and has received feed- began the week of Monday, March 30. Force’s design will be. one at the university who’s working on NYU Tandon with local manufactur- back from across the country and inter- Close to 300,000 shields will be pro- Twenty 3D printers and two laser anything COVID-19 related that we ers, health experts at NYU Langone nationally. The design is being used as duced over the two weeks after mate- cutters are being wielded to manufac- can either help support and they’ll cat- and city offices. far away as Germany. rials are delivered to production sites. ture the MakerSpace shields. At least alyze if it’s a product, how can we help The shields are made to be manufac- “Our communication around folks The production is funded by a $2 mil- 500 have been assembled and distrib- bring it to market?” he asked. “Just so tured quickly, shipped efficiently and who are producing this, you know, lion grant from the New York City Eco- uted to New York City hospitals by we can try to try to support everything used almost immediately upon arriving whether it’s in their ecosystem, wheth- nomic Development Corporation. volunteers, director of MakerSpace that’s happening on campus.” at hospitals. While considering which er they’ve made improvements or iter- A key resource for the Task Force Victoria Bill said. The benefit of this tools to use to create the shields, the ations of the design and they sent it to has been NYU MakerSpaces — areas second design is that volunteers are Email Emily Mason Task Force kept these goals in mind. us and we updated our designs if neces- equipped with 3D printers and laser able to manufacture and distribute the at [email protected].

Patel Renews Push for Universal Testing After Testing Positive for COVID-19

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 just passed a $2 trillion rescue package, mate change, debt-free college and the Patel, an NYU School of Law alum- it’s plausible.” Green New Deal. This is his second nus, emphasized that the only solution He added that these tests do congressional campaign, following an he sees for assuaging the pandemic is not require sophisticated techno- earlier run in 2018. He is among two testing as many people as possible. logical advances. other democrats in the race against “No solution that doesn’t focus on “We’re not waiting for some sort incumbent Carolyn Maloney in New testing is one that’s really going to be of technological breakthrough or York’s 12th district. long-term feasible or plausible,” Patel discovery or invention,“ Patel said. New York has postponed its pres- said. “Everything else is going to al- “Most university labs, NYU’s univer- idential primary election to June 23, ways rely on social distancing, but the sity lab, have the reagents and equip- falling on the same day as the con- minute we get back together, I’m sure ment necessary to read many types gressional primary in which Patel is that infections will spike again, which of these tests.” running. The November 2020 general is what Asia is finding out.” Patel also pointed to cases of ef- election still has yet to be moved. Patel’s proposed universal test- fective widespread testing in South LS sophomore Divya Sasidhar is ing program would entail separating Korea, Iceland and the small Italian also an intern on the Patel campaign people into three groups: those who town of Vò. He reiterated that univer- and echoed Urffer’s sentiments on have tested positive for the coronavi- sal testing is possible and that the onus the dramatic shift of the staff’s re- rus, those who previously had it and for its implementation must be placed sponsibilities. are now immune and those who are on politicians. “The nature of our work as interns still at risk. “It’s just a matter of mobilizing has changed pretty much entirely,” He also advocates for means of test- in a coordinated way, a coordinated Sasidhar told WSN. “We’ve most- ing that permit less hospital crowding, response, perhaps using the private ly been making calls to our neigh- such as at-home or mobile testing. In sector, the military, universities — all bors in the 12th district to make his explanation of what this could look hands on deck to ramp up testing ca- sure they’re okay.” like, Patel cited Great Britain. pacity and make this a national direc- Her views differed from Urffer’s “Britain actually just ordered mil- tive, “ Patel said. “What we’re lacking to the extent that she felt the cam- lions of at-home test kits for antibod- here is basically political will.” paign’s remote work still bred a sense ies that you can read yourself like a The pandemic has not only affect- of community between constituents pregnancy test, and it lets you know ed Patel’s policies, but also how he and the campaign. whether or not you carry the antibod- communicates with constituents pri- “I’ve had a lot of people who have ies for COVID because a large number or to the election. The campaign has been really grateful to have a friendly of people already had the disease and now taken to social media livestreams voice on the other side of the line who We are telling big stories — the Bling we’re asymptomatic,” Patel said. and Zoom to host town halls with wants to hear about what’s been diffi- Ring, Venmo fraud, drug donkeys — ones These at-home tests would take medical experts and workers affected cult for them recently,” Sasidhar said. around 15 minutes and would be by the pandemic. “I think it’s been effective in that way.” that expanded past our print-standard 500 distributed to the British public on “I’m proud of the fact that our Patel embraces the sense of com- words, ones that paint pictures with words. Amazon and in pharmacist shops. team, which has a lot of NYU students munity shrouding his campaign, and This magazine aims to be a platform where The surge in testing efforts in the on it, is digitally savvy,“ Patel said. “It this ultimately ties to his push for uni- country — which has previously been wasn’t a big transition for people to versal testing. undergraduate and graduate students alike can condemned for its testing complacen- figure out, ‘Okay well we’ll do town “To my knowledge, this is the first mutter on about their love of the blue-seated cy — likely stems from nearly 8% of halls on Facebook Live’.” time, in my lifetime, that a crisis is the country’s National Health Service While Patel acknowledged the dif- actually universally affecting every MTA trains or put into words the flavor of their workforce being left unable to work ficulty in gauging the effectiveness of single one of us,” Patel said. “It’s also love of grandma’s dumplings. due to COVID-19 complications. online campaigning strategies against not good for the economy and for the “The kits that the United Kingdom in-person campaigning, he remains country. The only way we are really is ordering right now are going to cost optimistic about being able to com- going to beat this thing is to universal- nyunews.com/underthearch £10 which is about $12 per kit,” Patel municate with voters. ly test people.” said. “If you multiply that by every A previous staffer on both Obama [email protected] American, which you don’t even need campaigns, Patel touts himself on his Email Lisa Cochran to do [...] that’s around $4 billion. We progressive agenda, centered on cli- at [email protected]. MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020 Washington Square News 3

[email protected] SPORTS Edited by ARVIND SRIRAM On and off the Course, Golfer The Best Soccer Arshia Mahant Excels Celebrations, Ranked By KEVIN RYU By BELA KIRPALANI South African team in 2010, France just Staff Writer Editor-at-Large having fun against Korea last summer and even Neymar and Dani Alves breaking it Ever since she picked up the golf Soccer is full of amazing moments — down for Barcelona. Never forget when clubs at the age of seven, Stern soph- the skillful dribbling, the insane goals and the U.S. pretended to make snow angels omore golfer Arshia Mahant has com- the celebrations that become iconic in the on a sunny day in 2012 against Canada. peted at the top of her sport, represent- sport’s history. And one of the coolest synchronized ing India for National Tournaments Sometimes, the goal celebration be- celebrations ever, Iceland’s Viking thunder and emerging as one of the best golfers comes more than a forgotten moment in clap at the 2016 UEFA Euros, still gives me for NYU’s women’s golf team. a sequence of madness. Some celebrations chills every time I go back and rewatch it. At 14, Mahant had already been go down in history, like when Mario Ba- Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubamey- ranked number one by the Indian Golf lotelli lifted up his jersey to reveal a shirt ang has proven himself to be quite the Union in the under-14 division in In- underneath, asking “Why always me?” celebration planner in recent years, pulling dia. Her ranking allowed her to repre- Then there are the celebrations that out Batman and Robin masks with Mar- sent India at the Evian Championship become synonymous with the player co Reus at Dortmund. And starting last in France, an experience that inspires — think Lionel Messi and his two fin- season, he has teamed up with his Arsenal her to this day. gers pointed toward the heavens, Kylian striking partner Alexandre Lacazette to do “It was one of the best experiences Mbappe’s folded arms stance or Cris- a bowing handshake after each goal. of my life,” Mahant said. “Just playing tiano Ronaldo’s spinning jump and for your country is like a whole another bellowing “Si!” 4. The “Alex Morgan Sips [sic] feeling and a whole another [sic] Given the cancelation of sports for this Tea” Celebration game. Once I experienced that, I knew season, I’ve had a lot of time to thoroughly To say the United States Women’s Na- that I wanted to do it again and again.” analyze many different soccer celebrations. tional Team brought it during the 2019 Since participating in the Evian Without further ado, here are my favorite FIFA Women’s World Cup would be the Championship, Mahant started to celebrations in soccer, ranked. understatement of the century. The team compete in more well-known tour- took the world along for an incredible naments, such as the IMG Academy 1. The Airplane journey, demolished the competition and Junior World Championships and the Players have been doing “the airplane” produced some iconic moments on its Annika Invitational — even winning — one of the most classic celebratory ges- way to a fourth World Cup trophy. an international event in New Haven VIA NYU ATHLETICS tures in soccer — since the beginning of While we were of course blessed with at the age of 16. Her performance at Stern sophomore women’s golfer Arshia Mahant has represented India for inter- time. From Roma’s Vincenzo Montella Megan Rapinoe’s epic pose celebration, the New Haven tournament was the national tournaments. She started the “Adopt a Golfer” initiative to promote golf in in the early 2000s to Thierry Henry with team captain Alex Morgan broke the in- India. stepping stone of her recruitment to the New York Red Bulls, the airplane still ternet with her bold celebration in the play golf at NYU. remains one of the most fun and com- semifinal. After scoring a header against “I went and watched her play in one sion and they had that drive,” Mahant ant was impressive, recording five bird- mon celebrations. England, Morgan cheekily pretended to tournament,” Head Coach Brad John- said. “But unfortunately, financially, ies, four over the first nine holes. She The airplane is my go-to celebration sip some tea — a brilliant, hilarious and son said. “She played in Connecticut, they weren’t fortunate enough because also ended the tournament as the run- (for when I score in my dreams) — I amazing move by the star striker. and she ended up winning that tourna- golf is an expensive sport to carry it ner-up individual national champion. stretch out my arms and run around, I don’t care what anyone else says, this ment. So, I watched her play, just had a forward. Even if they liked playing the Off the course, her leadership in- and then just before reaching the cor- celebration is the perfect amount of clever, chance to meet her on campus.” game, they couldn’t afford to invest spired her teammates to bounce back ner flag, I’ll jump up while pumping my petty and entertaining. For Mahant, her passion and devo- that kind of time and money. That’s from the rough teamwide performance arm in the air. tion for golf keeps her motivated to something which was very disappoint- on the back nine holes that had wid- After all, who doesn’t want to fly? 5. The Classic Knee Slide train and serves as a reminder during ing to me, that even though they had ened the gap between them and Wil- The knee slide celebration can either go the bad times. that kind of passion, they couldn’t re- liams College to eight stokes. 2. The “Tear Your Jersey Off really wrong or really right, as we’ve seen “First of all, I feel like if you’re not ally pursue it.” “And at dinner [following day one in Jubilation” over the years. But when it goes right, it passionate, truly passionate, about Although attending NYU means of the tournament], she was very vocal Imagine this: you’ve just scored the just looks like a seamless work of art. Play- something, you can’t be good at it,” she is currently unable to carry “Adopt about how we couldn’t do that again,” winning goal in the World Cup Final and ers just glide on the wet grass with their Mahant said. “And golf is something a Golfer” forward, her brother, who is Coach Johnson said. “She’s usually the crowd goes absolutely nuts. You start arms outstretched — it’s beautiful, really. I’ve always been very, very passionate two years younger and shares her pas- pretty quiet and not so serious, so running in any direction, rip off your jer- From Fernando Torres to Eden Haz- about. So my love for the game is what sion for golf, was able to continue with that was a shock to everybody. I think sey and proceed to get mobbed by your ard, the knee slide is a popular choice keeps me going, what makes me work the initiative. that’s a huge part of the reason that teammates as the stadium — and the en- among soccer players. Even managers get hard every day. I also feel like you have “So after I went off to college, [my we did so well.” tire world — erupts. in on the knee slide celebration sometimes. to have a lot of patience, focus, and dis- brother] went forward with that, and Having missed the fall season study- Two of the most classic examples of this cipline, which I do feel I have.” now the authorities at the clubs are ing abroad and seeing her spring sea- celebration came in two separate World Honorable Mention: The Sensing this similar passion in other managing it,” Mahant said. son cut short due to the outbreak of Cup Finals. First, we had Brandi Chastain Backflip golfers, Mahant was inspired to start Though the club authorities the coronavirus, Mahant has waited a in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup To this day, I still don’t know how the “Adopt a Golfer” initiative in India, manage the initiative, Mahant sees long time to once again step on the golf Final after she coolly scored the winning soccer players have the energy to produce helping promote golf to younger chil- a future where she returns to the course for NYU. penalty in a shootout against China. a backflip right after they’ve sprinted the dren and alleviate the financial burdens cause she started. “It was unfortunate that the season Chastain proceeded to pull off her jersey length of the field and scored a goal. But the game offers. “At the basic level, many of the mem- ended abruptly; I was looking forward and fall to her knees in disbelief, a move Sam Kerr, Nani, Obafemi Martins and “So over here in India, I play a lot [of bers contributed funds to the children to going to Florida for [sic] spring which would later garner opinions from many more have consistently wowed us golf] at the Delhi golf club and the ITC of the caddies, and some of them even tournament,” Mahant said. “I was seemingly everyone on the planet. The over the years making this move their sig- Golf Club,” Mahant said. “In India, we got health insurance, something which excited for the championship again, pure emotion on her face was evident for nature celebration. In this case, though, have caddies who pick up our bags on you would have never had access to to try and bring it home again for all to see, and that moment is one of my sometimes the celebration is better than a regular basis. So one of my caddies otherwise,” Mahant said. “But I wish I the second time.” favorites in all of sports. the goal. But regardless, don’t try this has two daughters, and they were real- could have carried it forward long term, When NYU returns to the course, Then, in 2010, Andres Iniesta became trick at home, kids. ly interested in the game. They would which is on a hold right now, but may- Mahant’s team goal is fairly succinct. the hero for Spain when he broke the borrow my clubs and hit a few balls.” be I do carry it forward in the future.” “Bring the NCAA trophy home deadlock in extra time against the Neth- The Sports Girl is a weekly column that For Mahant, seeing the two daugh- For NYU, in her first season, Mah- again next year,” Mahant said. erlands by volleying the ball into the back features a girl’s take on sports. Yes, a ters have a passion for golf, yet couldn’t ant played a pivotal role in helping the “That’s the goal.” of the net. He took off sprinting toward girl. Yes, on sports. invest the money and time, sparked an women’s golf team win the NCAA the touchline and ripped off his jersey interest for her to make a change. Division III Championship during the Email Kevin Ryu with an unmatched intensity, revealing a Email Bela Kirpalani “I could see that they had that pas- spring season. On the golf course, Mah- at [email protected]. shirt underneath which honored his late at [email protected]. friend, Dani Jarque. An ultimate act of passion, the jersey celebration remains unmatched in its intensity of pure emotion.

3. The Synchronized Group NYUNEWS.COM Celebration Planned group celebrations — when performed properly — can be oh so fun to watch. Players love to show off their dance moves after goals, and we’ve seen the SOPHIA DI IORIO | WSN 4 Washington Square News MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020

[email protected] CULTURE Edited by BELLA GIL How NYU Students Are Social Distancing

who’s going to get which gun, and who’s “It was cool to attend an event like that got the most money to open each door.” and have that sort of connection,” Fazekas Like the rest of NYU students, Tandon said. “It’s difficult to hold events over vid- senior Claire Velau has been using Zoom eo chat but it’s important that people are to attend her classes. But, for her, it’s also still trying to make things happen. The been a way to connect with her friends. connection is what stops you from feel- “Typically, we plan [the call] and ing so isolated.” someone makes a Zoom link,” Velau said. Though many of Fazekas’ family mem- “And then we invite each other on Goo- bers were able to attend the funeral via gle Calendar and send out the link. Ei- Zoom, the service didn’t go as planned. ther we just talk or play virtual games like “[Our family] forgot to buy the full Jackbox or Kahoot.” version of Zoom, so the service shut off Velau was also invited to a Zoom party after about 45 minutes,” Fazekas said. to celebrate her friend’s 22 birthday. With “That was kind of a downside.” each guest attending from a different lo- Yet not everyone is actively trying to cation, they were able to put together a find new ways to keep in touch. Tisch surprise party for her. junior Pema Dolkar, while talking to her “Someone organized it over Face- friends from time to time, uses her quar- book,” Velau said. “We all logged on five antine at home to focus on her hobbies. minutes before and got her sister involved. “I’m getting back to video editing and It really was like a surprise birthday party.” producing content,” Dolkar said. “I’ve set Though most fitness facilities and up a makeshift studio where I’m taking gyms have been closed for quarantine, pictures, using art supplies and just try-

ALEXANDRA CHAN | WSN social distancing doesn’t prevent many ing to be as creative as possible with the Zoom isn’t just for academic classes; many students have used the platform to hang out virtually with friends. Through Zoom’s from staying active. Kinnan found a cre- equipment I have.” screen-sharing feature, friends are able to play online games such as Jackbox or Kahoot. ative loophole that still lets him play ten- Dolkar has also been trying to use her nis with his friends. phone and social media as little as possi- By YUSUF HUSAIN ing your friends is fun, some students as Call of Duty, Counter Strike Global “We just stay on opposite sides of ble. Instead, she’s been keeping herself Contributing Writer have gotten bored of it, quickly finding Offensive and League of Legends. The the court,” Kinnan said. “I don’t really busy with a whole stack of books. new and creative ways to keep in touch two students use various platforms to touch anybody.” “Pick up a book and walk around the It’s hard being back home after an with loved ones. communicate with other gamers: from Kinnan also makes sure to arrive and house with it,” Dolkar suggests for every- abrupt end to the spring semester. It’s One of the ways for students to vir- Discord app for Kinnan to Amir’s pre- leave separately from his friends to mini- one trying to find something to do during hard not being able to get Joe’s pizza af- tually spend time with one another has ferred Xbox Live. mize the risk of potentially contracting or social distancing. “Just hold it in your ter midnight. It’s hard not being able to been online multiplayer gaming. Both “The first few rounds of a [Call of Duty spreading the virus. hand until you read the first page.” spend time outside, and most of all, it’s Steinhardt sophomore Joey Kinnan and game] are pretty basic, so we don’t talk Tandon sophomore Chris Faze- hard not being able to catch up with your Liberal Studies first-year Rizwan Amir much then,” Amir said. “But once you kas attended a family member’s fu- Email Yusuf Husain friends in-person. Even though FaceTim- have been playing multiplayer games such get to the later rounds, we start to sort out neral over Zoom. at [email protected].

‘Sidetalk’ Brings The Sidewalk to Life

By CHAD EVANS New York. He connected with Byrne, a unexpectedly invited the pair to Williams- for their show’s promotion. Sidetalk saw Sidetalk continues to grow rapidly and Staff Writer Long Island native whose own creative burg where many of the celebrations were their follower count grow by thousands recently released a line of branded hood- content he admired, once he realized taking place. The episode ends with them in mere days, and the Purim episode has ies that sold out immediately. Simonian The familiar chime of the closing sub- they both were Early Decision admits to crashing a Purim party, much to the de- since become their most-viewed, accumu- and Byrne are encouraged by the positive way doors sounds and you know you’re NYU. Reminiscent of “Billy on the Street light of attendees. lating over thirty thousand views. response from the NYU and Instagram in for a ride, albeit a more figurative one. with Billy Eichner,” the two meticulously “We were thinking of maybe not going As of this article’s publication, they community and continue to look forward. This isn’t the MTA, of course, but the planned their concept for a man-on-the- to Purim and happened to get the episode are nearing thirteen thousand followers “This is like a building block for us. start of each episode of “Sidetalk,” a ris- street internet show that would feature in at that last possible minute. That epi- on Instagram. They have now amassed It’s something we started and are doing new man-on-the-street internet show. polished production and a necessary re- sode took only thirty minutes to film,” a following from a slew of celebrities, in- ing for fun. It has a positive response so Made by first-year Trent Simonian, who freshment to the platform. explained Byrne of the episode’s spur-of- cluding Princess Nokia, Heron Preston we’re excited to see where we can go from hosts the show, and Gallatin first-year Jack “No one in particular inspired it and the-moment nature. and Cody Ko. Even Jonah Hill’s birthday here,” Simonian said. Byrne, who doubles as producer and cam- the idea was just there,” Byrne explained. After the Purim episode, New York episode resulted in a message of admira- eraman, Sidetalk is rapidly building a ded- “The inspiration really was bad content.” Nico gave Sidetalk a shoutout on his In- tion sent to Byrne and Simonian by the Email Chad Evans icated following of their one minute clips Their solution was a made-for-Insta- stagram, which proved a pivotal moment actor himself. at [email protected]. that comedically highlight New York’s gram show that would derive its humor most colorful characters. from the host’s unforced, dry humor and Its format is simple yet effective; the first-rate editing. Their premiere episode, show was created specifically for Insta- themed around New York Fashion Week, gram. Byrne follows Simonian on the immediately resonated with NYU’s stu- streets of New York as he approaches dent community and soon gained trac- unsuspecting pedestrians and prompts tion outside of it. them with questions pertaining to that As part of his producer duties, Byrne episode’s theme. Themes are usually time- worked tirelessly to build an audience base ly and range from the conventional, such and reached out to New York creatives as Valentine’s Day, to more obscure but and social media figures whom they could arguably more significant events, like Jo- collaborate and share their content with. nah Hill’s birthday. Regardless of theme, Later episodes would feature New York- surreal interactions between quick-witted based rappers Leeky Bandz and Evlo as Simonian and the quotable cast of inter- guest co-hosts. viewees are guaranteed. While the COVID-19 crisis has un- Simonian is no stranger to the man-on- derstandably derailed production for the the-street format, having hosted a similar- time being, its creators remain optimistic. ly formatted show for the broadcasting They are using the period of social isola- program at Malibu High School called tion to plan future episodes and share the Shark TV in his home state of California. show with as many fellow content cre- He would demonstrate his instinct not ators as possible. only for content but its promotion, as he The two were also grateful to have been posted the videos on Youtube, as well. able to produce their episode themed By this point in his senior year, Simoni- around the Jewish holiday of Purim, an knew he was bound for New York and which landed on the Tuesday before on- JUSTIN AHARONI Trent Simonian, a first-year Film major at Tisch (left) and Jack Byrne, a first-year concentrating in Business and Entertainment at wanted to translate his experience from line classes were due to begin. Notable Gallatin (right) created Sidetalk NYC. Simonian and Byrne explore the streets of NYC and ask random pedestrians various questions Shark TV to another level: the streets of internet personality, New York Nico, for a new man-on-the-street series on Instagram. MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020 Washington Square News 5

[email protected] ARTS Edited by KAYLEE DEFREITAS and ETHAN ZACK The Public Theater Talks Show Business and Social Issues

By DANI HERRERA es, New York’s theater scene has always postponed for the time being, but The ly-engaged space for everyone who wants ence, but the conversation tends to move Staff Writer had a lot to offer. But while the stages Public Theater’s podcast called “Public to be a part of it, The Public is a nonprof- towards broader, more relevant topics. are temporarily closed, we can still ac- Square” offers audiences a means to stay it theater that hosts many performances As part of the theater’s emphasis on com- Remember the days when you could cess rich theater and allow the art form connected to the theater community in its location on Astor Place in addition munity engagement and social issues, the go out and enjoy live theatrical perfor- to intellectually stimulate us through through interviews with staff and other to its productions all around the city, in- speakers try to have a dialogue about the- mances? From classic Broadway shows another, more socially distant form of collaborators — all from the comfort cluding the fan-favorite Shakespeare in ater, where they bring in larger themes, and funny off-Broadway shows in Mid- media: podcasts. and safety of their homes. Known for be- the Park event held in Central Park. which they then apply to the theater town to experimental acts on local stag- Live stage events are unfortunately ing an artist-driven, inclusive and social- Although people are unable to con- community. Guests usually comment tinue to hone their craft and create the- on the difficulties associated with their ater in public group settings, “Public job and detail the ways in which they are Square” can be especially beneficial to able to overcome them. While this expe- those who are working toward careers in rience is not quite the same as watching a entertainment. The episodes offer an op- play, the podcast allows listeners to learn portunity for professionals and amateurs about all the work and stories that hap- to learn about the trials and tribulations pen behind the scenes which they would of the theater world, in addition to the never receive as an audience member. significance of its role in the greater com- Eight episodes have been released as munity. Even if theater doesn’t particu- of now, all of which are free and avail- larly spark certain individuals’ interests, able on the theater’s Spotify, Apple and the series is still a good way to support Twitter accounts. Though this isn’t the local artists and stay up to date on im- same as going out to see a show, it’s a portant topics unrelated to the ongoing pretty good alternative given the circum- global crisis. stances. While times do not permit this Hosted by Reynaldi Lindner Lolong now, maybe the podcast will inspire lis- and Fernando Masterson, the podcast’s teners to visit The Public once it reopens episodes range from 24 to 45 minutes, and support the theater’s engagement always revolve around a different topic programs. In the meantime, this podcast and feature different individuals who offers a great opportunity for people to work in the theater. The episodes typi- develop an appreciation for all of the cally start out with the hosts introducing hard work that we don’t usually notice their guest speakers and then proceeding when we only see live performances. TAYLOR WILLIAMS with an interview. While their main stage on Astor Place is closed, the Public Theater is making sure their audiences have access to thespian art through Email Dani Herrera monthly podcasts. Each episode ranges from 24-45 minutes and features different individuals working with the theater and revolves Discussions sometimes revolve around a different topic. around the guest’s work and their experi- at [email protected].

Dear Roman Polanski, Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein: You Are Not The Victim

By SAMAA KHULLAR beginning his life as a fugitive in his na- sponded to the tweet and King main- Contributing Writer tive France. If the name Roman Polans- tained his position. ki sounds familiar for a different reason, “‘First they came for the pedophiles’ Content warning: this article addresses it’s likely because of his connection to is NOT A THING, sir,” Bott tweeted. rape and sexual abuse against children. his deceased spouse Sharon Tate, who “If you think he’s a pedophile, don’t was murdered in their home by follow- buy the book. Don’t go to his movies. “Well done, pedophilia” echoed in ers of Charles Manson. While Tate’s Don’t go listen to him play jazz at the the halls of the Salle Pleyel, the words murder has nothing to do with his con- Carlyle. Vote with your wallet … by chanted by French actress Adèle firmed record of sexual abuse and the withholding it. In America, that’s how Haenel as she stormed out of the 2020 public outrage that followed it, Polans- we do,” King wrote in response. Césars after Roman Polanski won best ki claimed in his film notes for “An Of- Polanski held a similar stance in director for “An Officer and a Spy.” ficer and a Spy” that the public backlash his statement for why he would not Haenel, a nominee for her role in “Por- against him stemmed from this event. be attending the Césars to accept his trait of a Lady on Fire” who shared that “The way people see me, my ‘image,’ awards, announcing that he feared she was sexually abused by French di- did indeed start to form with Sharon a “public lynching” and that he and rectors in her childhood, had previous- Tate’s death,” Polanski said. “It is like a his team “know how this evening will ly expressed her disgust with Polanski’s snowball, each season adds another lay- unfold already.” nominations in an interview with The er. Absurd stories by women I have nev- The problem that King and Polans- New York Times. er seen before in my life who accuse me ki fail to see is that it doesn’t matter

“Distinguishing Polanski is spitting of things which supposedly happened how many people boycott an abuser’s ALEXANDRA CHAN | WSN in the face of all victims … It means rap- more than half a century ago.” work, because if Polanski’s wins (the The #MeToo movement has brought the actions of many prominent figures in the film ing women isn’t that bad,” Haenel said. Polanski wasn’t the only subject of most of any recipient that evening) are industry to light since 2017, but the problems they created are far from solved. Some of She was not alone in her walkout public outcry this week over an indus- Hollywood’s big names like Polanski, Allen, and Weinstein, who have been exposed for any indication: this industry thrives on their acts of sexual assault, are still praised for their work. that evening, as Céline Sciamma, a try that protects and celebrates known contention and on the guarantee that best director nominee for “Portrait of abusers. Harvey Weinstein was recently there will always be people willing to a Lady on Fire,” followed as Haenel sentenced to 23 years in Rikers Island separate art from the artist, no matter the media was “making [him] a mon- you should be afraid is if you have ac- shouted “shame!” Actress, comedian Prison for first-degree criminal sexual how heinous the crime. I’m sorry, con- ster,” and it was Weinstein’s fault. tually done something wrong. And and host of this year’s Césars, Florence act and third-degree rape. Further- victed abusers, but you are most cer- “It was him who dug up my case even so, you may be able to experi- Foresti, also began the show by welcom- more, publishing house Hachette Book tainly not the victim here, nor are you with Samantha Geimer from 26 years ence a perfectly successful career, as ing “predators” in the audience and did Group dropped Woody Allen’s memoir at risk of being one. before which no one was interested in the aforementioned men are the living not return to the stage after Polanski’s after Allen’s son, Ronan Farrow, ignit- The most fascinating part of all of any more,” Polanski said. proof of. I, for one, will not be satis- directing win to finish her hosting ed walkout protests earlier this week. this is that Allen and Polanski have “Interested in” is a telling word fied until I stop seeing their names on duties, claiming that she was “disgust- Renowned horror writer Stephen King both come out to criticize Weinstein’s choice, because it is clear that the nomination lists entirely. Until then, ed” on Instagram. took to Twitter to respond to the pub- actions and have blamed him for the #MeToo movement is simply a media we should extend our compassion to Polanski’s 12 nominations for the lisher’s choice to drop Allen’s book. backlash they have received in recent setback to these proven abusers. But, the true victims of these heinous acts Césars come at the same time as his “The Hachette decision to drop the years. Allen called Weinstein a “sad, sick it’s clear that if you wait it out for a of violence: the young people who were sixth sexual abuse allegation. In 1997, Woody Allen book makes me very un- man” in 2017, despite the fact that he couple of years, you too could have groomed, assaulted and raped by Holly- at the age of 43, Polanski plead guilty easy. It’s not him; I don’t give a damn was accused of molesting his daughter your film featured at international fes- wood’s biggest names. to drugging and raping 13-year-old Sa- about Mr. Allen. It’s who gets muzzled Dylan Farrow, and later marrying his tivals and win a few Academy Awards mantha Jane Gailey and promptly fled next that worries me,” King wrote. adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn. Po- while you’re at it. Email Samaa Khullar the United States after his conviction, American journalist Ed Bott re- lanski followed in 2019, claiming that So, Stephen King, the only reason at [email protected]. 6 Washington Square News MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020

[email protected] OPINION Edited by JUN SUNG

UNIVERSITY LIFE NYU Will Never be Prestigious Without Better Financial Aid

STAFF EDITORIAL to attend the school. The fact that NYU refuses to support any of these students is shocking, especially considering both its prideful boast of having the largest international student body in the U.S. and Holding Leaders More how other universities, such as the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, have promised to meet 100% of demonstrated financial Accountable in Crisis, Not Less aid entirely with institutional grants for By EMILY DAI international students. Deputy Opinion Editor Both NYU’s lack of sufficient finan- During this time of crisis, New York State Gover- ly needs 40,000 more beds in order to accommodate cial aid and its increasing selectivity can nor Andrew Cuomo has become a figure of admira- coronavirus patients. As of March 24, Cuomo said Just days ago, NYU announced its be contextualized through its unique tion for many Americans looking for a dependable po- the state as a whole needed a total of 140,000. Cuo- annual admittance of the “most selective history. Unlike other prestigious uni- litical authority to feel protected. After Cuomo’s daily mo’s governorship, which started in 2011, has only class” in its history. The acceptance rate versities, NYU is a relatively new school press conferences, the hashtag #PresidentCuomo can contributed to the problem. By reducing the number for the Class of 2024 fell to 15%, more that did not have the added benefit of be seen on Twitter, and numerous articles have been of hospital beds in budget cuts and failing to replace than halving its 31% acceptance rate for serving the old-money elites and captains published praising Cuomo for his responses against those lost beds with new ones, it has left the state espe- the Class of 2019. The median SAT score of industry throughout its tenure. For COVID-19. But Cuomo’s actions both during and cially vulnerable during health emergencies. for the incoming class is 1500, up from its most of NYU’s history, the university before the pandemic show this dependence is falsely This isn’t to say that Cuomo isn’t the only execu- 1440 median for the Class of 2022. was a modest regional commuter school placed in a leader with certain policies that have be- tive responsible for the problems at hand. President Though NYU extended admission with a fairly limited research profile. It come part of the problem, rather than the solution. Trump took nearly six weeks after the first diagnosed offers to 13,000 prospective students, a was only through an ambitious, repu- Recently, the governor made extensive Medicaid case of COVID-19 in the United States to allow hos- large portion of these students will not tation-building campaign beginning in cuts to the state’s budget in order to close the $6 bil- pitals and laboratories to conduct their own tests for be coming to Washington Square Park the 1970s that NYU transformed from lion gap from before the start of the pandemic. Ac- the virus. By failing to enact decisions quickly and ef- this fall — not due to a lack of interest a commuter school to a well-known cording to Cuomo, these cuts were necessary in order ficiently, the virus continued to spread rapidly — un- in NYU, but because NYU will not give safety school. Beginning in 1984, under to halt the rapid growth of Medicaid spending as well like in South Korea, where the government has largely them the resources they need to attend. President John Brademas, NYU sought as to pass a balanced budget; he also stated that the been able to contain the virus through swift action. It’s no secret that NYU is expensive. to transform from a safety school into a cuts would be delayed in order for the state to use fed- Trump’s administration hasn’t implemented nearly Though NYU’s cost of attendance is well-acclaimed institution. In the words eral aid during the pandemic. enough testing either, with South Korea conducting on-par with other private universities, its of Joel Conarroe, president of the John However, this deficit could have been reduced five times more tests per capita. He has also continued infamously poor financial aid has caused Simon Guggenheim Memorial Founda- without these drastic cuts. Empire State Indivisible, to call the virus the “Chinese Virus,” which promotes NYU to gain the reputation of one of the tion, which evaluates faculty at colleges a progressive grassroots organization, called for in- the already-growing xenophobia against Asians in the most expensive universities in the Unit- nationwide, NYU sought to “gain ad- creased taxes on billionaires and millionaires, a trans- country. Clearly, the president has failed on numer- ed States. On average, one year at NYU mittance early in the next century to that fer tax on stock buybacks and other policies to make ous occasions to deal with the pandemic. costs $76,612, but according to a study small, charmed circle of exceptionally dis- up for the cost of Medicaid. New York City Public It is important to note that Cuomo has taken de- conducted by the College Board, the tinguished institutions.” Advocate Jumaane Williams also called for taxes on cisive action during this situation. When the federal university only meets 71% of financial Now in the “early next century,” NYU the ultrarich to cover both the spending issues that government could only send 4,000 ventilators and the need on average. From concerned parents continues to climb in ranking and income with the pandemic as well as to provide for state needed 37,000, the governor was able to acquire and students on College Confidential crease its selectivity, as evidenced by its Medicaid. The fact that these types of policies were a total of 3,500 ventilators from the Chinese gov- warning other applicants about NYU’s dwindling acceptance rate, increasing cast aside shows a clear contradiction between Gov. ernment and 140 from the state of Oregon. He also lack of financial aid to memes about median SAT score and continued expan- Cuomo’s appearance as an advocate for his constitu- mobilized the National Guard to redistribute unused NYU’s unsupportive Office of the Bur- sion into the world through its 14 other ents and his actual policies. ventilators to areas in the state that have been hit hard- sar, this reputation has become as much campuses. Despite this transformation, While Cuomo slashed Medicaid, he also cut $400 est by the spread. These types of decisions shouldn’t of a pillar of NYU’s culture as Washing- NYU’s financial aid office remains stag- million of hospital funding. Like the Medicaid cuts, go unnoticed when discussing New York State’s man- ton Square Park. nant. If the university and the student these will also be delayed. Cuomo claims that these agement of the crisis. NYU’s lackluster financial aid is body keeps rapidly changing, why aren’t cuts for hospitals are fine, since they’ll receive addi- The clear absence of leadership at the federal level unique considering its global standing. the systems serving us changing at all? tional money from federal stimulus packages. But is evident. Trump’s shortfalls in this regard has forced Most top colleges in the U.S. at least try It’s simple: NYU has instead opted, hospitals across the nation are unsure of when this the public to turn to Gov. Cuomo, whose press to make their university affordable to all time and time again, to extend its con- funding will come or how it will be implemented. conferences and media presence have captivated the students. Similarly ranked universities siderable wealth to other ventures, such Since the peak of the virus hasn’t hit yet, it is prema- yearning audience. Despite this enthrallment, it is offer much better financial aid plans. No- as awarding its president with one of the ture for Cuomo to assume hospitals won’t need state important to keep our leaders accountable — even tably, some universities, such as Brown highest salaries in the nation and subsi- funding in addition to federal funding. more so during this coronavirus crisis. This includes and Amherst College, promise to meet dizing luxury vacation homes for its ad- Cuomo’s past record has also been a significant Gov. Cuomo, whose current policies and past record 100% of demonstrated financial need ministrators and professors. part of the state’s problem today. From 2000 to 2020, show his serious mismanagement has failed New without having students take out loans. NYU is no longer in the financial dis- New York lost over 20,000 hospital beds. According Yorkers and will inevitably cost lives that could have Other universities, such as Georgetown, tress it faced in the 1970s. It is no longer to Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City alone current- been preserved. UCLA and Caltech, promise to meet a commuter school. With its rising pres- 100% of demonstrated need with loans. tige, NYU has a greater responsibility to Most importantly, these universities all make it possible for all students, regard- have smaller endowments compared to less of their income, to become a part of Email the Editorial Board at [email protected]. NYU’s $4.3 billion. These universities it. Perhaps, instead of doling out faculty have promised to help more students kickbacks and egregious administrative CHAIR Jun Sung while having less resources. salaries, NYU should improve its finan- Furthermore, international students cial aid packages so that the university CO-CHAIR Emily Dai, Gabby Lozano, Asha Ramachandran, Helen Wajda at NYU are not eligible for federal finan- will be able to become the top institution CHAIR EX OFFICIO Cole Stallone, Abby Hofstetter, cial aid, federal student loans or most that it so desperately wants to be. Ronni Husmann, Paul Kim, Anna-Dmitry Muratova forms of institutional aid, meaning many of these students are paying the full cost Email Emily Dai at [email protected].

SEND MAIL TO: 75 THIRD AVE. #SB07, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10003 OR EMAIL: [email protected] Submitting WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must to include a year and school or job title. WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them. MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020 Washington Square News 7

[email protected] UNDER THE ARCH Edited by GURU RAMANATHAN More Than Just Train Delays: What Being a Commuter Really Means NYU commuters share how commuting affected their college experience socially, professionally and mentally, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

By RACHEL LEE with her rigorous academics — Serrano is didn’t get to hang out with them Staff Writer on the pre-med track — but she also has [my friends] often and make stronger responsibilities as a family member that bonds,” she said. Troy Kelley, a Tisch dance junior who include helping around the house and Because of this, she emphasized the im- also majors in computer science, spent picking up her little brother from school. portance for commuter students to look strenuous hours on campus for his class- According to Scientific American, at all of their resources, even if it means es and rehearsals before campus shut studies have shown that people can ex- they have to put in extra effort. ANDREA SERRANO & RACHEL LEE | WSN down due to the COVID-19 outbreak perience both physical and mental symp- For first-year students, commuter re- Andrea Serrano lives with her family in Queens. The struggle to balance both the re- on March 11th. As a dance major, Kelley toms from the stress of commuting. sources are even more important. Upper- sponsibility of being a student as well as caring for one’s family can extract a toll on the mental health of a commuter. is required to be physically and mentally Physical problems include pain, dizziness, classmen tend to move out of dorms, but present each day, having class as early as 9 exhaustion and severe sleep deprivation, for commuter students where college is a.m. and finishing rehearsals as late as 10 while social consequences are not having new and frightening, community can be p.m. Like most students, he had to man- time to pursue personal interests and to difficult to find. age his time wisely. But without the priv- spend with family. Ellie Reid is a first-year dance student ilege of going back to his dorm or apart- Due to her busy schedule, Serrano has who spent her first semester commuting ment in the vicinity of campus, Kelley no time to work on her physical health from Harlem. On top of already hav- had to face an 80-minute commute home and do things like go to the gym. While ing social anxiety, Reid shared that by to Stamford, Connecticut. living at home has its benefits, commuting not living in the dorms and not having “Commuting is my choice, but detracts from her mental health greatly. the capability to hang out with her class for me, it’s also the only rational op- “I’ll come home, and they [my family] more often, she found herself questioning tion,” Kelley said. are here to reassure me. But, I feel like I whether or not she’s making real friends. According to the National Center for don’t have a sense of privacy,” Serrano In addition to managing her social life Education Statistics, about 87 percent of said. “I have a lack of independence that and feeling lonely, the commute itself was students in the United States are defined most people have at this age because I’m mentally demanding. And for someone as commuter students. But because “com- not accountable for just myself, I’m ac- like Reid who studies dance, her physical muter students” is defined as not living in countable for my family.” and mental health is imperative. university housing, the term does not dif- Despite having family and friends to “If a train has major delays, or just isn’t ferentiate between students who live close rely on both on and off campus, Serrano running at all, and I have to figure out an ELLIE REID & RACHEL LEE | WSN to and far from campus. battles with the feeling of being exclud- alternate route, this adds so much extra Ellie Reid is a freshman dance student who commuted from Harlem before NYU tran- Kelley chose to commute to school ed from a typical college experience. Her stress to my mornings or evenings which sitioned to remote classes. But by not living in the dorms prior, she found difficulty to hang out with her class often. following a conversation with NYU friends’ close physical proximity to each affects my performance in class or ability where he couldn’t be guaranteed a spot other on campus allowed them to make to sleep properly at night,” Reid said. in budget-friendly housing. Though the plans last minute or late at night, but be- Aside from impacting their health, After moving off-campus her sopho- ute walk away, that’s not a commute at housing application is open to all NYU cause she was under an unspoken curfew commuting had an influence on these more year and learning about the coun- all. I don’t think anything about the word students, Kelley said that paying a non-re- placed by her parents due to trains being students’ professional careers, too. By be- cil through the emails she received, Patel ‘commuter’ is accurately represented in fundable deposit for the housing raffle unreliable at night and the possible risk ing perceived as inaccessible by his fellow attended a couple of events and found NYU’s definition.” wouldn’t have been worth it for him. of her safety, she was left feeling lonely, a students, Kelley believes it hindered his them enjoyable. Just like Kelley, Serrano gets upset While Kelley desired to live on or near sentiment many students are experiencing ability to make connections for future Michelle Garcia, Vice President of when her friends who live close to cam- campus, financially, it wasn’t a possibility. now while practicing self-quarantine and jobs and kept him from being chosen by CSC Programming states that CSC’s pus call themselves commuters, especially While NYU does offer resources for social distancing. his classmates to perform in dance shows, intention is to introduce commuter stu- when she knows commuters who have their commuters such as Commuter Of course undergraduate students which is an essential part of his education. dents to each other and create a support dropped out of NYU after their first-year Lounges and the Commuter Student weren’t the only ones that commuted. “People get opportunities because of network for them. According to her, due to how taxing the commute was but Council (CSC), Kelley believes more Graduate students also faced similar reali- the people they know, but nobody real- CSC has recently opened up committee weren’t able to afford on-campus housing. actions could be implemented to aid a ties. Because graduate housing on-campus ly knows me because I’m not around as forums, including an Advocacy Commit- “For those commuters it’s pretty commuter’s college experience and their is limited, many graduate students rely on much,” Kelley stated. tee where “students can bring commuter tough and when people use the term personal health. off-campus housing and commuting for The commuter students explained they issues to light.” incorrectly or use it as a sympathy vote, “I would like to see the proper recogni- their education. didn’t learn about community-building “I believe that commuters, as a commu- it takes away the struggle that people go tion of students who commute, and bet- Nirja Patel is a current Steinhardt grad- resources such as the Commuter Stu- nity, should advocate, so we can be heard through,” Serrano said. ter resources to get in touch with others uate student from New Jersey who also dent Council until late into their com- and our needs addressed,” Garcia said. “If These students seem to fall into a ris- who might be in similar circumstances as completed her undergraduate at the same muting experience, but even after seeing we do not speak, NYU will not be aware, ing category of “super-commuters.” CBS you,” Kelley said. “Honestly just putting school. Patel has commuted every year the few events available to them, finding and we want our university to be aware.” News describes them as those who must us in touch with each other in a more so- besides her first-year as an undergraduate additional time to attend these events One issue is that the term commuter travel a long distance to get to work. Reid, cial way would be enough of a stepping student where she lived in the dorms. As was inconvenient. itself may be too broad. Kelley and Serrano feel that NYU can stone for us to plan events ourselves.” a commuter, Patel shared that she also “I didn’t know about the student “As long as you live off-campus, accord- consider their longer distances more by Andrea Serrano, a CAS junior major- felt lonely in the city because she wasn’t council so [NYU] should make it more ing to NYU, you are a commuter,” Kelley implementing more commuter loung- ing in psychology, lives with her family making as many friends or developing the accessible and talk about it more often,” said. “But of course as we all know, if you es in NYU buildings that are outside of in Queens. Not only does she have the friendships she already had. Patel said, when describing her under- have an apartment in the East Village with the main campus such as Third-North, responsibility of a student to keep up “I wasn’t on campus as much and graduate experience as a commuter. a few friends and school is only a 10-min- being extra cautious of early or late exam times and creating more commuter programs that connect people based on their interests. “I just think it could be interesting to have groups that were sensitive to commuters’ needs based on interest because it’s not like I don’t want to be a part of extra groups outside of Tisch,” Reid said. Although these students no longer have to commute for the rest of the semester with the classes hosted over Zoom now, their previous commuting struggles have shaped their college experience. “Being a commuter means you deal with something extra that other people on campus don’t have to deal with,” Serrano said. “Everyone has their problems, but TROY KELLEY & RACHEL LEE | WSN travelling is a huge contributor to stress.” Troy Kelley would sometimes spend over 12 hours on campus for his classes and still NIRJA PATEL & RACHEL LEE | WSN face an 80 minute one-way commute to his home in Stamford, Connecticut. For Kelley, Nirja Patel used to commute from Secaucus, New Jersey before the COVID-19 outbreak. Email Rachel Lee commuting was not just a choice, but the only financially feasible option after he wasn’t She started to become active in events put on by the Commuter Student Council after guaranteed a spot in budget-friendly housing. starting graduate school at Steinhardt. at [email protected]. Washington Square News Staff

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