Early College Pathways Alumni Fellow Feature: Omari Serieux-Cazaubon
NY4ECP is excited to feature one of our fantastic Early College Pathways Alumni Fellows from the inaugural class of 2025-2026!
Omari Serieux-Cazaubon graduated from the Academy for Careers in Television and is currently a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Read more about Omari’s early college journey in his own words below.
My school partnered with the Borough of Manhattan Community College for their dual enrollment program. When the email first came into my inbox, I remember consulting my friends about whether or not I should join, and their response? “Do it, or you hate us.” Then I spoke with my counselors and teachers about it, and they said that they would be disappointed if I didn't follow through with this opportunity. I had no choice. Though that choice did fuel my determination to build my rigor, as well as enhancing some of my skills that would be helpful for my future.
I did three college classes, three credits per class, totaling nine college credits for my high school career. I could have done more, as there were more options to take more classes, but I chose to stick with one college class per semester in order to maintain my sanity during this important time period. My overall experience was amazing, and it has granted me the opportunity to see firsthand what it would be like to be a college student.
When I first saw the email to join the NY4ECP Early College Pathways Alumni Fellowship program, I thought about my experience as a high school student in college, and I considered sharing about the real college experience with my friends. When I got into the program, I started to realize the depth in which these programs are being coordinated, and it gave me an inside perspective on the State and City budgets for this program. I loved being able to speak with Alexandra, Claire, the guest speakers, and collaborating with my other fellows to talk about the benefits that Early College Programs can provide to other students in New York.
Being a part of this fellowship program allowed me to visit the state capitol in Albany, which I had not visited before. This experience stood out to me the most because I had the opportunity to meet with my Assemblymember, Latrice Walker, alongside Claire. We had a walk-and-talk moment with her, requesting to protect the state budget for Early College Programs by speaking about my experience in one of these programs and the benefits that it provides New York students.
This experience as a part of the inaugural fellowship cohort has exposed me to a deeper understanding of the policy processes that take place in order for students to have an opportunity to boost their education and their post-secondary careers to new heights. I am extremely grateful to be able to contribute to the advocacy of the Early College Program.
— Omari Serieux-Cazaubon