During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. 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 complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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