During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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