In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted 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 don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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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