During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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