During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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