During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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