During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting 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 immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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