In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion 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 didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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