In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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