During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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