In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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