During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, 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 – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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