During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up 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 right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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