During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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