In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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