In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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