During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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