In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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