In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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