During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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