During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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