During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent 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 laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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