In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay 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. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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