During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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