During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – 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, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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