During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished 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 – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told 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 responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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