In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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