In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent 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 dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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