In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned 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 job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off 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 night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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