During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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