During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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