During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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