During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. 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 no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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