During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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