During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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