During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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