During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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