In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering 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 told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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