During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane 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 seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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