During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a 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 missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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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