In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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