In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice 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 engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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