During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student 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. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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