In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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