During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. 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. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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