In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed 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 lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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