During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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