During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped 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 position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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