During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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