During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting 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 told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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