In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree 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 performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over 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 made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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