In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to 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 anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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