During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host 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 responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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