In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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