During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished 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 engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him 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 after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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