In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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