In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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