During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining 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, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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