In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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