During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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