Nova Spier
United States
I focus on the United States politics and media, inspired by close family and friends living there. In 2023, I studied politics and journalism at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and my thesis examines how reporters reflect on covering Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. I aspire to return to the U.S. as a foreign correspondent or investigative journalist. This page features some of my U.S.-focused reporting.
A small house and a big avenue - September 24 '25
For over 44 years, the White House Peace Vigil stood in front of the White House — the longest-running protest in U.S. history. Presidents changed, causes shifted, but the vigil remained 24/7. Until now.
Earlier this month, the vigil was dismantled, raising questions about freedom of speech, civil rights, and the limits of protest in the U.S.
During my Fall 2023 semester in Washington, D.C., I spent months on Pennsylvania Avenue, getting to know the activists — including Philipos Melaku-Bello, who has volunteered since 1981 — and witnessing a wide range of protests, from vegans against turkey consumption to the first pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrations after October 7. I saw the unique ecosystem of protesters, locals, and the Secret Service firsthand.
Explore my interactive story on the vigil, its volunteers, and their daily lives - originally written on December 15, '23, for a narrative journalism course.
Perspective: One semester wasn’t enough to experience the US - The GW Hatchet, December 11 '23
I want to go, but I don’t want to leave. As a Dutch exchange student, my English might not be perfect, but I know that statement is contradictory — though that doesn’t make it any less true. I think many exchange students can share the sentiment.
Read more of this final opinion piece I wrote for the independent student newspaper to add the perspective of international/exchange students.
No kaas: Searching for Dutch food in D.C. turned up few options - The GW Hatchet, November 6 '23
As the stash of snacks I brought to GW on my exchange program from the Netherlands shrinks and my homesickness grows, I have been desperately searching for Dutch food in D.C. — to little avail. Read more
Perspective: Everything is bigger in the United States - even water bottles - The GW Hatchet, October 19 '23
Since arriving from the Netherlands, most culture shocks I’ve experienced haven’t surprised me too much. Gilmore Girls prepared me for the fried food, Legally Blonde prepared me for the sororities, and Pitch Perfect prepared me for all the clubs. But nothing prepared me for the water bottles. Read more
Op-ed: Shelter-in-place orders are unimaginable where I'm from - The GW Hatchet, September 11 '23
Is the idea of gun violence, escaped murder suspects and sheltering in place so ingrained in Americans? Read more
Nine flags are hanging down - September 11 '23
With the sounds of the Concoran Bell Tower in the background, a Monday morning turns into the afternoon. With a phone in hand, a backpack hanging low, and sunglasses to complete the look, a student walks from the Professor's Gate toward Kogan Plaza. She does not seem to register the artworks to her right, the fountain to her left, or the tempietto in front of her, let alone anything else.
Read more of this short column, in which I explored different forms of storytelling for a narrative journalism course.
Hundreds run the extra mile to bring detained journalists home - November 18 '23- December 17 '23
Hundreds participated in the third annual ‘Run For Austin Virtual 5K’. Not to enjoy the weather or to improve their health but to bring two American detained journalists back home: Austin Tice and Evan Gershovich. Read more
Panda Palooza Politics - October 30 '23
Hundreds of people showed up to say goodbye to three of D.C.'s most adored residents. The Smithsonian's National Zoo organized a nine-day-long farewell party for their pandas, but it was not all fun and games. The pandas' return to China reflects the rising tensions between China and the United States.
Migrants bused to D.C. - November 3 '23
On April 13 of last year, the first bus of migrants from Texas arrived at Union Station. According to the non-profit SAMU First Response, more than 240 buses have arrived since that day. How has this affected both D.C. and Biden's policy on the border?
