During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of 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.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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