During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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