During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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