During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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