In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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