Between the ages of 12 and 15, Sarah Fathi’s family experienced housing instability, a period that deeply impacted her teenage years. It gave Fathi a personal understanding of socioeconomic inequality and the barriers young people face. Instead of letting these experiences define her, Fathi turned them into motivation.
Grassroots Project on Financial Literacy
At just 12 years old, she launched a grassroots project on financial literacy, inspired by what she had experienced firsthand. Fathi saw how financial abuse and lack of economic knowledge disempowered women and recognized that schools often overlooked practical financial skills. What began with small workshops grew into a project that reached hundreds of students, giving youths the confidence to manage their finances and make informed decisions.
While born and raised in the United Kingdom, Fathi carries with her a rich cultural heritage from Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.
Choosing to study at NYU Abu Dhabi for Fathi was about stepping outside the familiar. “While the UK has great opportunities, I wanted the chance to figure out what I truly wanted to pursue,” she says.
A Sense of Belonging
NYUAD’s flexible programs, tight-knit community, and globally diverse student body offered exactly the kind of environment Fathi had been seeking. Growing up, Fathi often felt she didn’t fully belong to either her Middle Eastern or Central Asian roots. At NYUAD, she sees a community where diversity is celebrated, one where she can embrace her identity and grow alongside peers from all over the world.
While she has not yet declared a definitive major, Fathi is leaning toward economics with a minor in philosophy. “I love conversations surrounding morality and justice, so philosophy has always been a passion,” she explains. At the same time, she is drawn to economics as a way of entering the financial sector, where she hopes to make a tangible impact.
Looking ahead to her first semester, Fathi is most excited to meet her fellow classmates. Candidate Weekend gave her a glimpse of the warm, welcoming community she is now joining. From signing up for student interest groups to exploring campus life, she is eager to get involved.
Fathi dreams of traveling widely, building a strong network with professors and peers, and saying “yes” more often to new opportunities. “Although graduation is still four years away, I know time will fly by,” she reflects. “I want to enjoy the experience and make it as memorable as possible.”
Now, as she begins her journey at NYUAD, Fathi brings with her not only a passion for learning but a quiet determination of persistence, curiosity, and a belief in the power of education.
