During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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