In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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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