During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged 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. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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