During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “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 got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance 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 educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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