During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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