During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education 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 name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, 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 eternally thankful.
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