During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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