In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
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 shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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