During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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