During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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