In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained 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 research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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