In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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