In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” 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 was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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