In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek 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 ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland 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 helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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