In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. 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 used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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