In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia 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. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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