In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
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 should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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