During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told 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 attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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