In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. 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 used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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