In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting 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 prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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