During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess 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 arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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