In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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