In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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