In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, 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. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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