In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen 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. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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