During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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