In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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