During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, 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 soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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