In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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