During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told 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 opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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