During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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