In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted 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 don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising 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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