In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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