In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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