During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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