During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know 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 went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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