In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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