During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, 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 arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising 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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