In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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