During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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