In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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