In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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