During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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