During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as 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 fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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