During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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