During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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