During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly 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 engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich 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 changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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