In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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