During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn 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 altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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