During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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