During the final years of the 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 the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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