During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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