In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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