During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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