During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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