In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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