In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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