During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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