In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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