In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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