During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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