In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told 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 immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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