In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying 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 night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told 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 right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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