In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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