During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted 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 should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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