During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend 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 reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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