During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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