During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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