During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted 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 name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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