During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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