In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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