During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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