During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close 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, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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