During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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