In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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