In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to 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 right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” 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 no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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