During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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