In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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