During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. 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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