During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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