In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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