During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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