During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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