In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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