In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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