In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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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