During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know 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 told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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