In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host 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 responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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