In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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