In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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