In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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