In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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