During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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