In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with 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, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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