In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached 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 made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. 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 finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland 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 benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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