In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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