In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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