In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share 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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