During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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