During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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