In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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