In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer 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 said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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