During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland 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 changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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