During the late 1980s, 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 NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host 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 said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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