During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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