In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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