In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying 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 walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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