During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that 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 unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, 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 always appreciative.
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