During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. 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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