In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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