During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, 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. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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