In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with 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, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “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 got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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