During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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