During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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