During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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