In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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