In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition 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 name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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