In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role 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.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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