During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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