In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted 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 don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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