In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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