In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. 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 electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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