In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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