In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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