In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed 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 Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, 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 night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits 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 don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped 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 now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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