During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his 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 request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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