During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up 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 gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. 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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