In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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