In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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