In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, 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 microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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