In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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