In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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