During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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