In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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