In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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