In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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