In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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