During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned 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 should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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