In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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