During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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