During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received 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 can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped 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 position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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