In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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