In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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