During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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