In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “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 took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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