In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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