In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to 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 gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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