During their time as NYU undergraduates under the state-funded Opportunity Program (OP), Jason Nicolau and Fatiah Touray met through mutual friends. Always connected by the Bronx upbringing, they existed in similar social circles back then, and their friendship has only evolved into a stronger relationship decades later, as colleagues at NYU. Currently, Jason is the Senior Director of the Higher Education Opportunity (HEOP) Program at NYU, and Fatiah is the Senior Director of Inclusion and Equity at NYU Abu Dhabi.

“One of the things I love about our friendship is the genuine connection and support we give to one another to level up. Jason and I grew up in the same Bronx neighborhood coming from humble beginnings, so it is a very full-circle moment to see where we are today,” says Touray.

For both Jason and Fatiah, the OP program has been instrumental in guiding their careers and shaping their identities which are focused on mobilizing those around them and giving back to their communities. "OP helped end the cycle of poverty for me. I am not wealthy by any means, but I am able to experience the world in ways that my family was not able to do so. I feel eternally grateful for what OP has provided." While Jason wasn’t able to study away as an undergraduate, he has been fortunate enough to extensively explore new places after NYU and would recommend students to do so if the opportunity presents itself. Fatiah, on the other hand, has had the opportunity to study away twice; the first was the domestic exchange with Spelman College, and the second was in London, before moving onto law school.

The OP program now has the mechanisms to support students who want to study away. In Fall 2021, four OP students studying away at NYUAD had the opportunity to meet with Fatiah and share their experiences. “Please do not miss out on the opportunity out of fear or because of work obligations,” advises Touray. “Also, a quick plug, study away here at NYU Abu Dhabi so that I can meet you!”

Aasna Sijapati
Assistant Instructor for the Office of Social Responsibility, NYU Abu Dhabi