During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share 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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