During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted 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 recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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