In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis 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 a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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