During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview 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 explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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