During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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