During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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