In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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