During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying 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 man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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