In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
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 wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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