In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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