During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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