In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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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