During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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