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

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What’s in your bag?

Courtesy of Noah Baustin

 

Gallatin freshman Noah Baustin is best known as the mind behind Open Mic Rubin, a weekly Thursday night talent show at Rubin residence hall that he started last fall. From running the stage to working on a new rooftop garden in Brooklyn, The Greenpoint Growery, Baustin is kept busy with his multifarious undertakings. The contents of his bag reveal the creative techniques of a poet hard at work.

 

 A Writing Pocketbook

Baustin, who was once an aspiring mathematician, realized his passion for writing during his sophomore year in high school.

“I always read but stopped for a while in between,” Baustin said. “One teacher … got me reading and writing again.”

Within his notebook’s pages, Baustin drafts poems and pieces of creative writing like short fiction, his preferred style. Even when he was travelling to countries like New Zealand and Puerto Rico during his gap year, his notebook was always inside his bag. “Carrying notebooks when traveling is habitual for writers,” he said.

“It is the notebook that I record my life in.”

 

“East of Eden” by John Steinbeck

One of the more conventional items in Baustin’s bag is John Steinbeck’s novel, “East of Eden.” As an aspiring writer, Baustin has a vast admiration for the book. Along with “Hell’s Angels,” Steinbeck’s work remains one of his favorites to date.

“[‘East of Eden’] is just an epic novel. I cannot explain why, but Steinbeck just writes so beautifully,” Baustin said. “It touches so much of what it means to grow up, the evolution of America and how it has changed.”

 

iPod Classic 

Baustin is also a self-proclaimed music junkie. His present playlist includes tracks such as “Angel” by Yonder Mountain String Band and Goat Radio. His progressive yet unconventional taste in music isn’t deterred by his love for classics.

“I’m probably obsessed with the Abbey Road album too,” Baustin said of his love for the Beatles and the album that inspired his poem, “I want you, She is so heavy.”

Whenever Baustin moderates Open Mic night, his literary enthusiasm is brought to light. The North Hampton native has also sparked creativity in his peers through the night’s poetry, monologues and performances by student musicians.

“My favorite part is watching the shyness of people when they first arrive,” Baustin said. “By the end of the night they can’t help but get up and perform.”

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, April 4 edition. Utpala Menon is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected]

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