During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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