In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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