During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
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. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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