In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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