In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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