During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane 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 used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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