In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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