During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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