During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested 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 did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told 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 attended the interview – but right away told 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 everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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