During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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