In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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